Vanguard Charter Academy

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools is a dedicated educational institution that serves a culturally diverse student population, focusing on the unique needs of each learner. With a mission to foster academic, social, and emotional growth, the school creates a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive. Catering to a range of ages and learning challenges, including language-based learning disabilities, Godfrey-Lee emphasizes personalized learning experiences that empower students to discover and pursue their dreams. The school employs innovative therapeutic methodologies and programs designed to support individual learning styles, ensuring that every child receives the attention and resources necessary for success. What sets Godfrey-Lee apart is its commitment to maintaining low student-teacher ratios, which fosters strong relationships and personalized attention. Additionally, the school actively engages families and the broader community through meaningful partnerships and events, reinforcing a culture of belonging and support. This holistic approach not only enhances academic excellence but also cultivates a love of learning that resonates throughout the community.

Empower U South is Kent ISD's young-adult transition program in Wyoming, Michigan. We teach skills for employment, adult living and participation in the community. Instruction centers on each young adult's plans for life after school, with opportunities to practice skills at job sites and in community settings. Our three core areas are adult living skills, community participation and employability. We provide instruction and resources related to independent living and work, while helping students communicate their preferences and advocate for their own plans. The program includes positive behavior intervention supports and social-emotional learning. Families, community supports and agencies take part in our work with students. Practice outside the classroom is part of the program. Students have opportunities to learn and use skills on job sites and in the community, alongside instruction that addresses their postsecondary goals. Communication and self-advocacy receive attention across settings, rather than only during one lesson. Our staff collaborate with families and community agencies as students work on adult-life skills. The South site is at 3600 Byron Center Avenue SW in Wyoming. It is one of Empower U's North, Central and South locations within Kent ISD's special education center programs. The program's calendar includes the 2026-27 school year. Nic Bond is our South-site administrator, and Heather Berkenpas provides administrative support for the program. Our focus is young-adult transition education, with learning organized around work, independent living and community participation.

Success Blended Learning Centers is a tuition-free public alternative virtual high school that caters to students aged 14 to 21, including those with individualized education plans (IEPs) until the age of 26. The school's core mission is to provide a flexible and supportive educational environment for students facing various challenges, such as anxiety, emotional trauma, and family responsibilities. At Success, each student receives a personalized learning plan that accommodates their unique needs and pace, allowing them to focus on one class at a time. This innovative approach enables students to complete their coursework more efficiently than in traditional settings, often earning their high school diplomas faster. The program is enhanced by certified teachers who offer in-person support at the school's drop-in center, fostering an environment where building relationships is just as important as academic achievement. Additionally, Success prioritizes inclusivity by providing specialized services through fully certified special education staff and social workers. With an impressive 100% graduation rate for students who engage with the program, Success Blended Learning Centers stands out for its commitment to empowering every student to achieve their educational goals while balancing life's demands.