Light of the World Academy, a K-8 Montessori charter school in Pinckney, recently received a $30,000 grant from the Grand Valley State University Division of K-12 Education Innovation and Scholars Success.
Light of the World Academy will be using the money to build an outdoor, project-based learning space which is being designed by the school’s middle-school students. “We will transform a designated area of school property into a meaningful community space that can be used for years to come,” the school said.
The Pinckney school is authorized by GVSU, which awarded grants to 24 schools across the state as part of an initiative called Impact 30.
Impact 30 is a signature GVSU grant initiative that celebrates GVSU’s 30 years as a charter public school authorizer by investing directly in the next wave of transformative ideas. “Over the next two years, we’ll aim to fund up to 40 bold, student-centered projects—developed in partnership with schools, communities, and the university—that respond to real needs, spark fresh thinking, and create models others can use,” GVSU said in a release. “It’s a moment to build on what we’ve learned, focus our energy, and set in motion changes that will continue well beyond each project’s first steps.”
Light of the World Academy recently opened an innovative new Montessori-specific play structure, and the new outdoor learning space funded by this grant will expand on that.
“The outdoor space created will remain a permanent fixture that future students can use, maintain, and expand,” the school said in its grant proposal. “Teachers will gain ongoing coaching on resilience instruction, trauma-responsive teaching, relationship-building and student engagement.”
Light of the World Academy is a free charter public school that serves grades K-8. For enrollment information or to schedule a tour, visit the school website or call 734-720-9760.
