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Charter Day at the Capitol recap
April 23, 2026
More than 2,200 charter school students, educators, and parents gathered in Lansing on April 22 to celebrate charter schools in Michigan, including a big contingent from GVSU charter public schools.
Not only were GVSU schools in attendance to lend support, but they also exemplified the incredible teaching and learning occurring in charters, filling the program for Charter Day at the Capitol 2026 with success stories.
Highlights from the day include:
- Student performances from the Michigan Math and Science Academy dance team and the UPrep Step Team.
- Elected officials honoring Brandis Beam, a kindergarten teacher from University Prep Academy Elementary (Ellen Thompson Campus), for being named the Region 10 Teacher of the Year
- Kristin Helmbold (Chandler Woods Charter Academy) and Kyle Smitley (Detroit Achievement Academy/Detroit Prep) getting recognition as 2026 MI Charter Heroes.
- MAPSA reuniting the Crossroads Charter Academy cross country teams from 2004-2005 that won state championships, becoming the first charter school team to win a state championship.
A big shout-out to the many other GVSU charter schools who made the trip to Lansing to join the celebration and cheer on their fellow students and colleagues.