Grand Traverse Academy...

• is a Michigan public school 

• is a Michigan charter school 

• is tuition-free

• is authorized by Lake Superior State University 

• is a member of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA) 

• implements Dr. William Glasser's Choice Theory 

Grand Traverse Academy opened in 2000 with a program based on Dr. William Glasser’s Choice Theory, including the design of the physical structure itself.  It began with 290 students in grades K-6 and is now a thriving school with over 800 students in PreK-12.  A new Secondary wing opened in the fall of 2005 and an Early Childhood wing was added in the fall of 2007.  Students are safe, loved and learning, parents are informed and the staff is committed to maintaining a positive, healthy and strong environment.

In 2005 Grand Traverse Academy was declared a Glasser Quality School - one of only 15 in the nation at the time.  A Glasser Quality School meets criteria set forth by Dr. William Glasser.  The criteria include relationships based upon trust and respect, students doing work that is significantly beyond competence each year and staff, students and parents viewing the school as a joyful place.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Grand Traverse Academy’s high school among the best in the nation in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.