GVSU CSO Core Values Award
At the GVSU Charter Schools Office, the primary focus is to understand complex problems in the GVSU network of schools, facilitating the design of solutions, and advancing remarkable change in teaching and learning. Our mission, vision, and strategic outcomes reflect the university's five core values. These core values, which are part of the GVSU’s Reach Higher Strategic Plan, provide a foundation and framework for all Grand Valley Charter Schools’ Office decision-making processes. The core values are:
- Inquiry
- Inclusive and Equitable Community
- Innovation
- Integrity
- International Perspectives
To recognize, highlight, and celebrate the efforts of the GVSU network of schools to advance achievement of these core values, the GVSU Charter Schools Office presents a Core Value Award to a school whose program, project, practice, or other initiative best demonstrates advancement of a particular core value.
Application Details
The application window for the 2026 Core Values Award is now open! Boards can apply for the award until March 27, 2026. This year's award will celebrate the value of "Inquiry."
Why does GVSU value inquiry? It encourages active questioning and problem-solving to improve lives and strengthen communities. Active scholarship, creative expression, and relevant co-curricular experiences drive learners toward fulfillment, prosperity, and justice.
Eligibility and Requirements
The Awards Program is open to any GVSU-authorized charter school. Applications must be submitted by school boards, on behalf of the school.
- Only one submission per school is allowed.
- Academic performance of the school meets or exceeds the authorizing contract goals, based on the last set of statewide testing data.
- Fiscal and compliance performance of the school meets or exceeds standards, as reported in the most recent School Performance Report.
- CSO reserves the right to rescind any awards granted to an applicant who provided false or fraudulent application information.
- CSO reserves the exclusive right to interpret information submitted and determine awards without claim for damage or recourse of any kind.
2025 Winner: Covenant High School Grand Rapids
One of the winners of the 2025 Core Value Award for Integrity was Covenant High School Grand Rapids.
In their application, the school board detailed their Newcomer’s Program, which supports the high populations of international, first-generation, and ELL learners enrolled at the school. The application also noted the all-encompassing efforts the staff takes to make students feel welcome by incorporating cultural diversity throughout their instruction, physical spaces, and school-wide celebrations. For example, when international students receive end-of-year awards, they are permitted to give their speech in their native language and then translate into English for those who are not bilingual.
2025 Winner: Michigan Math and Science Academy
The other winner of the 2025 Core Value Award for International Perspectives was Michigan Math and Science Academy.
In their application, the school board detailed the emphasis they place on recruiting educators from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly those with backgrounds in STEM. More than a quarter of the school’s staff is multilingual, and 20% were born outside of the United States. That diversity extends into the leadership roles as well, including one leader who has worked for the United Nations and is fluent in 4 languages. There is an emphasis on international experiential learning through trips to other countries like Costa Rica, Brazil, and Turkey, and more than 70% of families participate in the school’s annual International Food Festival.
Award Selection and Benefits
Award winners are selected by an independent panel of reviewers that will consider applications and evidence submitted in support for the award category. The award category for 2026 is Inquiry, for school initiatives that encourage active questioning and problem-solving to improve lives and strengthen communities.
Winning the award comes with many benefits, including:
- Award plaque, to be prominently displayed in the school.
- Award recipient information, to be included on the CSO website, newsletter, etc.
- Monetary grant of $5,000, which may be used to support student enrichment, professional development, or other purchases to support your school (funds will be added to your next academic grant award).
- Other recognition, at the discretion of the CSO.
Previous Winners
Below are winners from past years, with the celebrated core value in parenthesis.
- 2024: Detroit Achievement Academy and The Greenspire School (Integrity)
- 2023: Covenant Schools Detroit (Inclusive and Equitable Community)
- 2022: The Greenspire School -- (Innovation)