Michigan’s Great Lakes Learning Academy Receives Parents’ Stamp of Approval
Great Lakes Learning Academy, a tuition free, online public charter school, continues to earn high marks from families across Michigan. After collecting data on the school’s performance in its annual parent satisfaction survey, Great Lakes Learning Academy, once again, received positive and high-scoring results, showcasing the program’s dedication to providing high-quality, effective and supportive education.
Great Lake Learning Academy Parent Satisfaction Survey
Notable findings from the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey include:
- 97% of parents agree the Great Lakes Learning Academy program is flexible
- 96% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Great Lakes Learning Academy
- 96% of parents say they feel supported by their teachers and school staff
- 96% of parents feel their children will be successful in their plans after high school
- 95% of parents agree the curriculum is high quality
“We deeply value parents' insight as they play a large role in each student’s learning experience with us,” said Dan McMinn, the school’s executive director. “With a mission to empower students to achieve academic success while building community through an adaptive learning program, I find it incredibly rewarding to see that reflected through our families feedback.”
Serving students in grades 6-12, Great Lakes Learning Academy provides a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child's Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide through the school day.
Survey Methodology
Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2024-2025 School Year survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26, 2025 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.
Great Lakes Learning Academy Programs & Offerings
The 2025-26 academic year marks another year of its expanded College and Early Career Readiness program for middle and high school students. Building on its success, this refined offering integrates traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences and marketing. This program equips students with durable skills like leadership, critical thinking and teamwork. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.
In addition to a traditional middle and high school option, Great Lakes Learning Academy also offers an Alternative School option for high school students who have experienced significant barriers to success in high school as a means to earn a traditional high school diploma. With the Great Lakes Learning Academy Alternative School, students gain core academic skills, build resilience, and work toward post-secondary success through a concentrated, 18-credit pathway where they can focus on just three courses at a time each quarter. Students also benefit from alternative instructional models and assessments based on real-world problem-solving, individualized instruction and specialized support for students unsure of post-graduation plans. Students in the Alternate School are a part of the greater Great Lakes Learning Academy community with access to socialization opportunities like clubs and activities.
About Great Lakes Learning Academy
Great Lakes Learning Academy, authorized through Central Michigan University, is a full-time online public school for students in grades 6-12. In addition to a traditional middle and high school option, Great Lakes Learning Academy offers an alternative high school option for students to earn a traditional high school diploma. This unique virtual program also offers block scheduling to allow students to take a reduced number of courses over nine-week periods to give students the quality learning time they need to master the skills and standards of their grade level.