Ingrid Jacques at The Detroit News today covered the success of National Heritage Academies’ Walton Charter Academy in Pontiac:
When a visitor walks into Walton Charter Academy in Pontiac, the staff notices immediately. Safety is clearly a priority for this elementary and middle school. But the friendly, family atmosphere is just as evident.Those are two of the reasons that Marie Saenz-Wright gives for spending nearly two hours a day driving her daughter, Ashly Rivera, to and from school. “It’s such a good school,” Saenz-Wright says. “It’s worth it in the long run.”
[…] Walton opened in 1999, and continues to attract more families. Its waiting list grows each year; this year more than 400 children are on the list, compared to about 200 five years ago. The majority of students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch, and the school population is largely split between black and Hispanic students. Saenz-Wright, who is Hispanic, says she appreciates the school’s diversity. Walton is run by National Heritage Academies, one of the largest charter management companies in Michigan.
The school has also consistently outperformed Pontiac public schools on standardized tests, and offers advanced classes for students like Ashly, who is a member of the Junior Honor Society. “It’s a very challenging school,” Saenz-Wright says.
While academics are important to Saenz-Wright, she says the quality of the staff is a top priority. “It’s the reason I keep my daughter here,” she says.
We hope you’ll read Jacques’ full column at The Detroit News’ website – and then also read the News’ editorial: “In education, results are what matter.”
