Mrs. Floering caught some beautiful sunrise shots this morning during her car line duties. If you look closely, you might see the end of a rainbow over the school to the left of the flags!
2 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Twenty-six years ago today, Grand Traverse Academy officially opened in our permanent location, with 290 students in grades K-6. Thanks to area families looking for a tuition-free educational alternative for their children, we have become a full K-12 school, nearly tripled our enrollment, and added two new wings to accommodate our growth.
Over the last 26 years, we have also made many enhancements to our program, including adding a preschool, building a greenhouse, creating gifted learning classrooms for elementary students, providing a full array of competitive athletics, offering dual enrollment in college and Northwest Ed Career-Tech opportunities for high school students, and much more!
We have also been recognized as a Glasser Quality School, ranked as a Best High School by U.S. News & World Report 11 times since 2013 and voted Best School for five consecutive years by our community in the Record-Eagle "Simply the Best of Northern Michigan" awards. And just last week, we learned that our seniors' average college entrance SAT score was the highest in Traverse City and the greater northern Michigan area, #17 statewide and #1 among all charter schools in the state.
Thank you for being a part of our success by sharing your children with us!
6 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
On Monday, our 3rd graders participated in Project FED (Farm Education Day), hosted by the GTA agriculture and environmental science program. This project aimed to introduce elementary students to food and fiber production here in northern Michigan. The students started the day by making butter and enjoying it with a pancake breakfast, followed by lessons revolving around maple syrup production. After breakfast, they traveled to Rainbow Valley Family Farms, a Traverse City alpaca farm, for more agricultural fun. Upon returning to the school, students got to sample and compare three apple varieties produced by local growers. Project FED was just one of many collaborative opportunities involving both elementary and secondary students at Grand Traverse Academy.
7 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Senior Sunrise has become a popular tradition where high school seniors kick off their last year of school by gathering together to watch the sun rise. A group of GTA seniors enjoyed a gorgeous view across East Bay at 6:30 am on Friday to enjoy the sunrise, each others company and doughnuts, generously donated by Walmart in Traverse City.
9 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Mrs. Callahan's Junior High Aerospace Exploration class is working with the engineering design process, which guides engineers as they solve problems and make improvements when they create new products. They made "Out-of-the-Box" furniture items following that process. To share their work, they invited Mrs. Jorgenson's third grade class to their Furniture Gallery opening. The younger students were able to ask questions regarding the inspiration behind the designs (based on famous architects), how the process works and whether or not the designers would make additional changes. The older students were only allowed to use cardboard, glue and tape to create their furniture!
9 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
The results are in and we're so proud to announce that Grand Traverse Academy ranked #17 statewide in Michigan's list of top-scoring schools on the SAT for the 2025-26 school year. The SAT is an entrance exam used by colleges and universities in admissions decisions that measures the critical academic skills necessary for success in higher education. GTA's score also puts us at #1 in the greater northern Michigan area and #1 among all charter high schools in the state. In fact, only one other school in our area made the top 50 list. Congratulations to everyone on the hard work and dedication involved in this outstanding achievement!
13 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
GTA families enjoyed delicious That'sa Pizza, GoGo SqueeZ snacks and cold treats from the Anywhere Ice Cream Truck while they reconnected and met new friends at the Family Council Back-to-School Picnic!
17 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Yesterday, September 17, was Constitution Day, marking the 239th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States. Students in Mrs. Holthaus's Lower Elementary class enjoyed learning about our country's fundamental "rulebook" and what it means to be an American citizen with some engaging activities.
20 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
On Thursday, September 17, students and staff may wear jeans (no holes or tears, please) with their uniform shirts for a $2 per person donation. Funds collected will help replenish our student lunch pantry for students in need or those who occasionally forget to bring their lunch to school. Participation is appreciated but always optional.
22 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Grand Traverse Academy has earned high rankings in U.S. News & World Report's "2026 Best High Schools," in both the national and charter school categories. Schools are ranked on six factors, including student performance on state assessments and how well students are prepared for college. This is the 11th time we have received this recognition since 2013.
23 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Mr. Haberlein has officially opened the Character Cafe inside his Upper Elementary classroom. When students observe good character, they write it down on a cafe sticker and hang it on the board. This is amazing and the board looks pretty impressive for less than a week of class!
24 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Lower Elementary students in Mrs. Holthaus's class participated in a team building activity this morning to see which group could build the tallest tower out of toothpicks and marshmallows.
27 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Upper Elementary students in Ms. Wood's class were challenged with building a structure, like a house or tower, with nothing but small pieces of paper. Their conversations, planning and creativity were amazing!
27 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Mr. Nuffer's Upper Elementary students participated in a fun team building challenge in the courtyard yesterday: a relay race where students transported a marble from one tree to another by creating a moving walkway of pool noodle segments. They learned a lot about communication and cooperation as they finally completed the challenge!
28 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Students in Mrs. Wilson's 4th grade class had a STEM challenge on the first day of school. They faced six opportunities designed to save Fred the Worm, an unlucky gummy worm who manages to get himself into one misadventure after another. They rescued him from a tipped raft and a mountain top, and helped him cross a river and escape a storm. Strategies included creating parachutes, zip lines, bridges and shelters using teamwork, listening skills and trial and error. But mostly, they had a lot of fun!
29 days ago, Grand Traverse Academy
School starts on Tuesday, September 8. Please check the following website link for updates on the construction project at the intersection of Hammond and Three Mile Roads and allow for extra time due to possible delays. Work is expected to take place between the hours of 7:00 am-7:00 pm. Stay safe! Road Construction Updates
about 1 month ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Don't miss our Back-to-School Open House on Wednesday, September 2, from 3:00-7:00 pm. Meet teachers, drop off school supplies, get transportation information, pick up important paperwork, visit the library's bookmobile, purchase a refreshing ice cream treat and more!
about 1 month ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Just a reminder that orientation for incoming 7th graders (5:00 pm) and 9th graders (6:00 pm) is planned for Wednesday, August 26. Students and parents are asked to meet in the Big Gym at their assigned time for important information about the transition to junior high or high school, as well as a chance to connect with friends, pick up class schedules and try out locker combinations so they are ready for the first day of school. We'll see you then!
about 1 month ago, Grand Traverse Academy
Be sure to mark your calendars for our Back-to-School Open House on Wednesday, September 2, from 3:00-7:00 pm. Check your August 19 emails for details. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2026-27 school year!
about 2 months ago, Grand Traverse Academy
GTA Volleyball Coach Rob Kinney and chaperone Josh Jacobson (along with Rob's parents) took 12 of our girls' volleyball players to Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida for volleyball camp this past week. The camp was led by the college's Lady Eagles coaches. What a great week! The girls are excited to be bringing back all they learned to their upcoming season.
