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GreatSchools Rating

Canton Charter Academy

Charter | K-8 | 726 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 6 ratings

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37 reviews of this school


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Posted April 2, 2013

this school is like jail and is too strict in my opinion this school is the worst school i went to. the school should loosen up some and stop being so strict and to fix the parking lot


Posted April 2, 2013

This school is amazing! I have been here since kindergarten, when our current principal was our gym teacher. The events such as Robofest, Science Olympiad and the Spelling Bee have put students to the test, and many of our own have won spelling bee national titles! Our school is the top in all tests, and even our 6th grader act scores beat the average high-school student's scores. Our sports education is growing rapidly, and the majority of the students have a positive attitude and I think that every student that attend this school will succeed in life! There is only one bad part. We are getting a new principal this year since Ms. Henkenberns is getting promoted. i think she is inexperienced and one of the other deans could easily do a better job. In about the time that i graduate from 8th grade ( i am in 7th grade) our school will be rated 2-3 stars (in nha terms, not in public school terms)


Posted May 24, 2012

We have been apart of this school since it opened. I am not happy with all the changes, such as the grading system and math curriculum with no directions. The teacher turn over rate is higher than surrounding schools. While the long time staff members are great, the newer staff lacks experience. This school also has issues disciplining students and overlooking issues that should be addressed. I personally think CCA has become overrated.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 7, 2012

Great school, but from my house, getting to the school can be a little hard, because of Beck and Ford traffic.


Posted September 15, 2011

My two children are enrolled in this school. My daughter has attended for 7 years (since Kindergarten.) We are fortunate to be there. The grading system and math curriculum change from a few years ago was challenging but we moved through it. This school is a blessing.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 2, 2010

We could not be happier with CCA. Our child started K at CCA and had a wonderful year. We love all the teachers and the office staff. They have been nothing short of helpful and pleasant. We love the fact they focus on morals and values as much as they do academics. They teach at all levels within the classroom, which is great for the kids that are advanced and those that are not. When I was looking at the reviews years ago, I remember seeing one where they stated if yout kid is average, he will not do well here...and that this school is for the smart kids. I don't find that true at all. I've participated in the classroom and kids were grouped together based on their academic level and taught at that level for both math and reading. And I love the new grading system.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 18, 2010

This school is OUTSTANDING! Today it really does "take a village" to raise a child. Here we found our village.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 11, 2010

The school has strong focus in both academic and everyday life values.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2010

I believe that the recent introduction of Canton Charter Academy's new grading policy is not an effective tool to assess and motivate our children. The switch from traditional A, B, C, D grading systems to a new Standards Based Scoring System, makes it impossible to motivate and encourage students to work harder to achieve better grades. Furthermore, the fact that homework does not count toward a grade, either positively or negatively, is not teaching our children proper study habits in preparation for future education. This Standard Based System does not benefit the overachiever or the underachiever. It does not motivate students on either end of the educational spectrum to strive for anything more than meeting the standard. We expect more from our children and their education. As parents of students in Canton Charter Academy we demand more than an average education for our children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 29, 2009

I graduated from Canton Charter in June of this year. I am now attending Salem High School, and it pales in comparison, to be honest. Ironically, I despised the school while attending and even considered transferring to a nearby public middle school. Now, I can't be more pleased that I stayed. Everyone says the work in high school poses an extreme challenge to most students, even though the schools tend to go easy on freshmen like myself. Thanks to this school's exceptional curriculum and brilliant leaders such as out former principal Mrs. Williamson, the public school system is a breeze! As a matter of fact, I often find myself missing this place, the challenging work, and the people I've met there. But most of all, I miss actually having to lift a finger to receive a 4.0 GPA.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 12, 2009

Graduating this year, I am very proud of Canton Charter Academy. I've earned awards--mainly in writing, due to the constant encouragement and constructive criticism my helpful teachers unhesitantly provided--and rightfully taken my spot on the High Honors list, an honor I couldn't have achieved without the challenging curriculam I endured every day. I enjoy going to school each morning; the staff and students are my family, and the close atmosphere was consistantly what allowed the new students to feel welcome and the old students to feel special. Our test scores dominate, having beaten Plymouth-Canton in 27 of the 28 MEAP tests this year. I don't even mind the uniforms. I look forward to meeting the new staff, and this year we were granted with a new principal (previous V.P.) and a new vice principal! I definitely will miss CCA--and yes, I intend to visit. Thank you!
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 30, 2008

Pardon me for my rude behavior to some of you parents but Canton Charter Academy is a great school with a great curriculam. I came here in 6th grade and I started my 8th grade right now. I'm against some og the thing some of the parents have been saying right now.There is no favoritsim what so ever in this school. Everyone is treated equally and there is a whole lot of diversityny child who has problems such as autism are treated with special care and are given attention to. There are many extra curricular activities such as NJHS and there are many sports teams.Parents are very involved in this school! So many parents have been involved in to making this school as it is today. There are many confrences in which you can talk to and discuss problems with your child's teacher. We are a very advanced school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 23, 2008

The moral focus at CCA and community service requirements for the middle school students have helped my kids grow into responsible and respectful young adults. Their high academic standards have proven successful by their MEAP scores. A review of the MEAP results from CCA shows that their students most often exceeds test scores from other schools in the area. The teachers are excellant and dedicated to CCA and it's students. Most teacher turnover has been due to promotions and out-of-state relocation. The administration and office staff are the best! They are helpful, attentive, and treat the students and parents with the utmost respect. CCA is open to and encourages parent volunteering. To avoid fundraising sales, they suggest a VOLUNTARY donation of $50 or a dollar amount of your choice. We are very grateful to have been a CCA family for the past 8 and are proud of our children's academic achievements!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2008

I love this school. The office staff, the administration, as well as the teachers are all well qualified, very helpful and extremely friendly. My children started with this school from the beginning when they were in a trailer. From our first encounter with the principal to today, nine years later, we have always felt as if we are a part of a family. The environment is very welcoming. The education that my children are receiving is top notch as is evident by the outstanding MEAP scores. The teachers truly take an interest in each of the students as if they were their own. Each parent is asked to donate $50 in lieu of having to do fundraisers. However, it is not mandatory and any amount is appreciated. My family and I are grateful to be a part of Canton Charter Academy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 22, 2008

My children have been attending Canton Charter Academy for the past 8 years. We love the school. The office staff is friendly and helpful. The principal and assistant principal are nothing but professional. We have been happy with all of our kids' teachers. The principal and teachers do an excellent job of pairing students and teachers. We are asked to donate $50 per family in lieu of fundraisers. If you cannot make that donation, anything you can do is greatly appreciated. Any parent is welcome to volunteer and participate. If you work or have little ones at home the teachers are happy to have you help with projects at home when needed. We love the moral focus and community service. I love that the children wear a uniform. I could not be happier with the education my children are receiving at CCA
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2008

Beware of this school! From the hostile front desk staff to the inconsistent and fair weather administration, this school is anything but supportive and encouraging to all of their students. Favoritism runs rampant! While some children are allowed to alter their uniforms and thumb their noses at the dress code other students are held to a much higher standard and threatened with discipline for something as slight as a forgotten belt. The teacher turnover rate is ridiculous. Why can't they keep their teachers? Parental involvement is only encouraged and welcomed if you are one of the 'chosen' few that are able to join and attend everything in which the school is involved. Aside from all of this, families are expected to 'donate' around $250.00 on top of providing an abundance of supplies. It's not really a donation if it is demanded from you. Also-check out their MEAP scores.


Posted March 26, 2008

With a waiting list of more than a thousand, I think that says it all. Parents are waiting to pull their kids from the local public schools and praying everytime there is a lottery that their kids will get in. The people that have problems with this school are parents with kids that have problems either accademicly or socially and are in need of special service they should be seeking withing their public school network. This school is safe and clean and very well run. I have been there for eight years and couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2008

Our two daughters have attended CCA for the past 4 years. Both have had no problems keeping up with the rapid pace that is the norm at this school. I can see how some children would have a hard time doing as well as is expected. Self-discipline is a must! Great for us, for now.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 5, 2007

I was forced to pull my child from this school. The parents and staff seemed to encourage rude behavior.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 26, 2007

It provides sound and well-though curriculum with a higlhy motivated and organized staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 41% in 2013.

84 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
80%

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

84 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
89%

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
97%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 45% in 2013.

83 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
80%

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
99%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

83 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
92%

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
96%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 47% in 2013.

83 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
72%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 46% in 2013.

84 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
75%

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 70% in 2013.

84 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
88%

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
97%
Science

The state average for Science was 13% in 2013.

84 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
97%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 40% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
72%

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
97%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
87%

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
97%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 30% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
95%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 38% in 2013.

81 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
88%

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2013.

81 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
94%

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
94%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2013.

81 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 33% in 2013.

78 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
83%

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
98%

2010

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

76 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
92%

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
99%

2010

 
 
91%
Science

The state average for Science was 16% in 2013.

78 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
93%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 59% 71%
Asian/Pacific Islander 33% 3%
Black 6% 20%
Hispanic 1% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 8%N/A42%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 22N/A18
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Ms. Cathy Henkenberns
Fax number
  • (734) 453-9551

Programs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

49100 Ford Rd
Canton, MI 48187
Website: Click here
Phone: (734) 453-9517

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