The Greenspire School has received a grant of up to $650,000 from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to begin planning for a high school expansion, with the goal of offering high school classes starting in the fall of 2022. The school's model would allow students to earn their high school diploma and an associate's degree at the same time.

The funds come from the MDE’s Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program grant. The Traverse City school - which currently offers a “project-based, environmentally-focused, tuition-free” program for middle school students on Red Drive near The Village at Grand Traverse Commons - been awarded $150,000 to be used over the next 18 months for planning activities prior to the opening of the high school.

During that time, the school’s board members and leadership team will observe other schools to develop the curriculum for the high school. They will also be expanding their partnership work with the community. Once the planning phase is completed, the MDE will distribute the remaining $500,000 to assist with the implementation of the plans. Greenspire can also earn an additional $625,000 once the high school opens if the MDE finds that Greenspire  is meeting the outcomes proposed in the grant application.

“It’s great to be recognized as a quality charter school and then be invited to expand our education to more students in the region,” says Sarah Payette, interim head of school. “Every year I’m asked by current parents if there is a plan to expand to the high school level. I look forward to providing them with this wonderful news.”

Payette adds that intersecting high school and college instruction is a growing trend in Michigan. “It helps with college readiness, makes college more affordable, and presents rigor that promotes building life skills,” she says.

School board member Meagan Batdorff says that the board has been looking to add high school grade levels for nearly a decade. “I’m excited, relieved, and so very grateful that this opportunity is out there,” Batdorff says. “The high school will be an extension of our connections to the community. All things that are a part of our community’s economy and existence provide the base of education at Greenspire, and now we can build a high school that further reflects where we live.”