Skip to main content
Student experiences virtual reality goggles during College Prep Week.

The Division of K–12 Education Innovation and Scholar Success (DEISS) advances Grand Valley State University’s commitment to transforming education across the K–12 to college continuum. Through oversight of GVSU-authorized K–12 charter public schools, support for Thompson and Charter Scholars enrolled at GVSU, and exploring groundbreaking ideas in the GV NextEd CoLab, DEISS is shaping new possibilities for learners and educators.

We strategically connect learners, education practitioners, and community members with the University to create equitable educational pathways, strengthen educational outcomes, inspire innovation, and foster lifelong achievement.

Proudly celebrating over 30 years as a charter public school authorizer.

Who We Impact

79 Charter Public Schools

Authorized by GVSU

321 Board Members

Governing GVSU Charter Schools

34,250 K-12 Learners

Enrolled in GVSU Charter Schools

1,257 Thompson Scholars

Enrolled at GVSU

495 Charter Scholars

Enrolled at GVSU

DEISS News

October 2026 Board of Trustees Update

On October 23, 2026, the GVSU Board of Trustees acted on several items that impact GVSU-authorized charter public schools.

Published October 23, 2026

GV charters lead latest U.S. World and News rankings

Several elementary schools and middle schools were named as best schools in Michigan

Published October 21, 2026

DEISS celebrates record number of Charter Scholars at GVSU.

The total number of Charter Scholars increased 27% from Fall 2025 to Fall 2026.

Published September 28, 2026

Record number of Thompson and Charter Scholars start GVSU journey together

More than 360 new Thompson and Charter Scholars gathered Aug. 29 in the Kirkhof Center for the annual welcome session, where they met fellow scholars, connected with staff who can help them navigate the university and learned more about the support and op

Published September 22, 2026

View more DEISS News

Cook Carillon Tower seen through glass of Kirkhof Center entryway on Monday,  2025-11-17.  Photography by Steve Jessmore
Page last modified October 23, 2026