Will Carleton Charter School Academy

I can not praise this school enough. I have 5 children who attend WCA. We transfered mid year last winter from the other charter school in the area. It was a scary move for us but I am so glad we did. My children have excelled so much. I was shocked at how far behind they were. But the teachers worked with each and every one of them and got them caught up. The staff and students were so welcoming. I love hearing "Mom I had a great day!" I never received that response before. Mrs. Gadwood does a wonderful job running this school. She holds the children accountable for their actions and re-enforces what the staff is teaching their students. I just love that. I also love the fact that WCA has grades K-12. Its not a temporary school and you're left wondering what you're going to do with your children after 8th grade. We've been at another school and now we're at the best! Proud to be a Cougar Mom!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two students that have different needs and different learning styles, I am very pleased with the curriculum and instruction for both children. Education is one of the most important values in our home, and importantly my children feel that it is reinforced within the school. We left the public school system mainly due to school culture and administration. I love the character of this school. I see the adults in this school as intelligent, positive, fair, and professional. They are great with encouraging student's personal responsibility, work ethic, civility, and kindness. So the fit is right for us not just based on how it feels but also in how it functions. Both of my children are doing quite well on any academic measuring stick one would use...MEAP or IOWA for example. The school provides many extras that were a big draw for us in the beginning. And those "extras" have provided many enriching experiences. I just want to finally give kudos to those areas that sometimes get overlooked (Art, Music, French and Rocket Club to name a few). I do believe that parent attitude needs to be part of the equation in any successful relationship with any school.
--Submitted by a parent

Students who typically come from this academy are unprepared to meet the challenges of the high school/college curriculum. Many of these students need remedial help in public education or through a tutoring program. It is important to remember that the words "charter" and "academy" do not imply a higher level of student performance and achievement. Additionally, the lack of professional communication via email indicates that they do not want to have their comments and thoughts documented. This clearly shows a school that has zero accountability for what it says or does with students. If Will Carleton really wants to be a leader in education, it needs to be accountable like every other school in Michigan to the community it serves, including being able to be held accountable for what they say and to whom. Overall, you should consider many other school districts above what this academy cannot provide. From a lack of parent involvement to unprofessional contact methods and an administrative staff that is cold and unwelcoming, you would be unwise to bring your child here.

I graduated from WCA in 2006. I was very well prepared for college thanks to the high standards that I was held to, All of my teachers took an interest in us as people and wanted to see us succeed in life.
--Submitted by a student

I was a former student,and this school has left a deep mark on my life, a positive mark. All of the teacher were always willing to do what they could, even take time out of their own life to help. They helped me learn the best I could, and never seperated anybody from anyone and always encouraged good leadership. Over the years this wonderful school has flourished, and now, ten years later, it is still there. Now....that's different. The atmosphere of the school is changing. When I last walked in, it felt as though I was in a public school, and the teachers are not the quality they should be. I am sorry to say, the school is falling down and keeps on declining. My past years seem now to be the schools glory days.
--Submitted by a student

One child graduated from WCA another still attends. They are getting a Hillsdale Academy education in a public charter school! The school administration wants each child to have a top rate education and prepares for college.
--Submitted by a parent

I used to think Will Carleton Academy was a great school until recently. I feel that WCA has a strong curriculum, however, the positive atmosphere in the school has severely decreased in the past few years. Most of the parents are quite snobby to anyone that is not part of their school and the PTO is almost nonexistent. Some of the teachers at WCA are unreceptive to parent concerns. These are some of the reasons for my decision to leave at the end of this year.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a supporter of Will Carleton Academy Public Charter School. This is where my two children attend and where I find, across the board, they are superior to other choices in our area. WCA provides a Core Knowledge Curriculum, which provides a broad base of knowledge and a rich vocabulary. There is a clear outline of what children are expected to learn in school, while encouraging parents to participate in their children's education both at home and in school. WCA motivates students to learn and creates a strong desire to learn more. WCA provides an academic focus and encourages consistency in instruction,providing a plan for coherent, sequenced learning from grade to grade, unlike most public schools. I thouroughly enjoy the warm welcome atmosphere and feel fortunate that my children are getting a better academic start than most. I also know that my children will not 'slip through the cracks'. There are none.
--Submitted by JD H, a parent

I'm not a parent, I'm a former student. My name is Elizabeth Dobson. I went to Will Carleton Academy for three years. After I moved, I realized how good a school this is. They are ahead in the subjects and you would be suprised to see how much smarter you feel in this school compared to public schools. The teachers I had did they're best to help everyone. Because there were less students in the classroom the teachers pay more attention to your child. The music, art, and sports are challenging. I'll never forget a few of the things I made in art class. I still have a couple and I remember how proud I was when I saw the finished product. I knew a lot of the kids' parents who were in my class. I wish I could still go there, but unfortunetly I dont have a choice. Thank you.
--Submitted by Elizabeth Dobson, a former student