Best Special Needs Schools in Canton Township, Michigan (2026)

Since opening in 2009, Achieve Charter Academy has been a tuition-free public charter school in Canton for kindergarten through eighth grade, part of the National Heritage Academies network. Each grade band has a designated dean, Grades K-4 and Grades 5-8, and a dean of special education and intervention supports students who need extra help. Our Moral Focus program weaves a monthly virtue such as respect, gratitude or perseverance into everyday lessons. Alongside core subjects, students take art, music, PE and technology, and older grades choose electives like band and vocal music, drawing and painting, environmental studies, and health and fitness. Students ready for more challenge join EXCEL-ERATE for above-grade work in English and math, and middle schoolers may earn high school credit. Field trips range from Greenfield Village and the Detroit Institute of Arts to an overnight fifth grade camp and a Washington, D.C. trip. Our Bulldogs compete in basketball, soccer, cross country, volleyball and cheer starting in fifth grade. Clubs include chess, science, Spanish, and STEAM, coding and robotics, and older students can join the National Junior Honor Society or Student Government.

• Public charter school (K-8)
• Character education
• Advanced learning (EXCEL-ERATE)
• Public school

Canton Charter Academy marked its 25th anniversary in spring 2026 with a schoolwide assembly, a time capsule placed on school grounds and an alumni mural for our halls. We are a tuition-free public charter school for kindergarten through eighth grade on Ford Road in Canton, managed by National Heritage Academies and authorized by Central Michigan University. Any eligible K-8 student may apply, with no entrance exams or interviews, and a random lottery is held when applications outnumber open seats. Deans for lower elementary, upper elementary and middle school support each classroom, and a dean of special education and intervention leads extra help for students who need it. Lessons on virtues such as respect, perseverance and integrity run through the Moral Focus program, and families get progress reports each marking period. Middle grades students compete in basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country and cheerleading, and clubs range from chess and golf to robotics, Science Olympiad, Math Counts and the spelling bee. Older students join Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and peer mentoring. Our on-site STARS program provides care before classes start and after dismissal.

• Public charter school (K-8)
• Character education
• Academic competitions
• Public school

National Heritage Academies (NHA) is dedicated to preparing students for success from the very first day of their educational journey. Serving a diverse student body across nine states, NHA focuses on students in grades K-12, including those with unique learning needs. The school's core mission emphasizes high expectations and personalized teaching, ensuring that every child thrives in a safe and challenging environment. NHA implements a college-prep program complemented by a moral focus curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary for academic excellence and life beyond school. What sets NHA apart is its commitment to eliminating the achievement gap and providing families with quality school choices. With a strong emphasis on community partnerships, NHA fosters an engaging educational experience tailored to the needs of each student. The schools maintain low student-teacher ratios, facilitating individualized attention and support. Additionally, NHA's innovative approach includes specialized facilities and community events that enrich the learning experience. By cultivating strong family partnerships and promoting a culture of excellence, NHA ensures that each student is not only prepared for high school and college but also empowered to become future leaders in their communities.

• Charter school
• Private school