Michigan Charter Students Rank Top 10 Nationally in Reading

Students at a Michigan charter school network are proving that zip codes don't have to determine destinies. While the state struggles with a 45th place national ranking in education, eighth graders at National Heritage Academies are achieving at levels that rival the country's best performing states.

A study by Basis Policy Research found something remarkable. When researchers compared NHA students to the rest of the nation, these Michigan kids ranked 4th in reading and 10th in math nationally.

The findings answer a simple question: what if these 105 charter schools across Michigan and eight other states were treated as their own state? Researchers used 2022 state test scores to estimate how NHA's 65,000 students would perform on national assessments.

The results tell a different story than Michigan's overall education headlines. Stanford University's research center found NHA students gain an extra 69 days of learning in math and 46 additional days in reading compared to traditional public school peers.

"We believe every student is capable of achieving at a high level," said NHA President Nick Sheltrown. "When students are challenged, supported, and surrounded by teachers who believe in their potential, they can accomplish extraordinary things."

The schools combine rigorous academics with a character education program called Moral Focus. In surveys, 85% of parents said the program positively impacts their children.

The Ripple Effect

The success is showing up in recognitions beyond test scores. Seven NHA schools have earned National Blue Ribbon School status, a prestigious federal honor. Ten more ranked in the top 10 of U.S. News & World Report's Michigan charter school rankings this year.

Two schools, Eagle Crest and Windemere Park Charter Academies, received special recognition for closing achievement gaps. EdTrust-Midwest named them Building the Hope Schools for helping students from all backgrounds succeed.

Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy earned both state Blue Ribbon recognition in 2025 and NHA's highest internal honor, the Founder's Award, two years running. These wins represent real families seeing real results in their communities.

The broader message reaches beyond any single network. "Our responsibility is to help every student reach their potential," Sheltrown said. "These results show that Michigan students can compete with students anywhere in the country, regardless of their background or ZIP code."