Vacant store in Warren to become Success Mile Charter Academy

WARREN, Mich. – Innovative designs and out-of-the-big-box thinking is transforming a former vacant retail store into a vibrant educational environment, Success Mile Charter Academy.

The forward-thinking design provides a high level of security, while adding significant value to the community.

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This is the first Charter Schools USA (CSUSA)-managed school to come to Warren.

The average economic impact to each community where CSUSA opens a school is significant.

The initial facility impact adds approximately $11.5 million to the community, and when fully enrolled, adds approximately 75 high quality jobs and contributes nearly $7 million annually through sustained economic activity.

"We are very excited to watch this transformation," said Scott Woodrey, president of Red Apple Development, the company charged with changing retail space to an engaging and cheerful educational environment. "We have done this many times and each building offers its own unique benefits."

Enhanced security and an abundance of natural light are two significant issues that make this particular project unique.

"We are adding windows to the entire perimeter of the building, which allows an abundance of natural light," added Woodrey. "Then, in addition to outdoor play space, we will provide a completely secure internal area where students will conduct all of their activities during inclement weather. This adds a higher level of security. Once the students are in the building, the doors are locked and they are in a secure environment until it's time to go home."

Board President Kurmell Knox is also pleased to be part of this project.

"We believe we are accomplishing some important initiatives with this new school," said Knox.  "First, we're providing a high quality educational choice for parents and students. As a public charter school, all students are eligible to apply and there is no tuition. Second, we are providing an educational environment that will foster a life-long love of learning. Third, we are contributing to an economic recovery in an area that has struggled."

Success Mile Charter Academy will include 102,037 sq. ft of remodeled space in a single story.

At capacity, the school will house 1,415 students.

The school will include a gym, cafeteria  and indoor playground space in addition to the traditional classrooms. The school will include a comprehensive curriculum that will offer music, arts, foreign language and physical education in addition to the core subjects. Before and after care, extra-curricular activities and after-school tutoring also will be offered. All teachers will be state-certified and the school will be held to the same standards as traditional public schools. Because the school is a public charter school, there is no tuition to attend.

Success Mile Charter Academy, which was authorized by Grand Valley State University, is part of the CSUSA family of schools. CSUSA, the first education management company to receive district accreditation through AdvancEd, the parent organization to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS,) is one of the nation's leading charter school management companies. The company currently manages 48 schools in seven states serving more than 38,000 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.  CSUSA educational advantages include integrated technology, parental involvement contracts, student uniforms, enforced discipline policies, highly qualified and motivated staff, community focus and high academic performance.

Enrollment for Success Mile Charter Academy is underway and the school is on schedule to open in September 2013.

Those interested may apply online at www.successmilecharter.org or visit our enrollment office every day from 4-6 pm. 

The enrollment office is located at 27130 Dequindre Rd. in Warren. For more information about enrollment, call 586-751-2792.