{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"New Branches Charter Academy","outOfStateSupporters":34.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10162074,"projectId":9557097,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your genorosity in providing school supplies for my students to use in their learning journey this year. They were so very excited to see the colorful folders, dry erase markers, erasers, highlighters, magnetic, whiteboard grid paper, colors of the world crayons, easel paper, mailboxes,and chart paper. We have been using these wonderful supplies in a variety of ways. Here are just a few examples of the difference you have made.\r\n\r\nStudents use the white board markers and erasers for whole group response and engagement during lessons. These supplies are also used in reading intervention sessions with students who need additional assistance in gaining essential phonics skills. They also used the highlighters to find patterns in text and to mark information as they analyze what they are reading to make it meaningful to them. I didn't realize the erasers would be such a big hit until the students started using them. They work so well that we don't have to waste much time before going on to the next writing practice or response to a whole group lesson.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, we have been taking our learning outdoors. The chart paper has helped immensely in making sure we have a surface to write on and bring back into the building for future reference. The colors of the world crayons help us not only when the students need to illustrate stories featuring themselves and their family members, but in shading sketches and diagrams of wildlife we are learning about such as owls. The folders and the mailbox help us keep our many projects organized and ready for viewing by family members and presenting to classmates. Math lessons with the magnetic grid are fun for the students to begin experimenting with plotting information and representing various math problems.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most important thing I want you to know is that the students felt seen and valued in their learning journey. They realized there is a whole community outside of the school that is cheering them on as they seek to nourish their minds and build a bright future. It has also made them think about ways they can also be generous with their time and talents to serve others. Thank you so very much for the investment you have made in my students. I cannot afford to give them all they deserve; however, with your help, you have made it possible to create a warm, inviting environment with the tools they need to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755024418778,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies-for-extraordinary-kids/9557097/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies for Extraordinary Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gramza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10162074"},{"teacherId":10276310,"projectId":9753983,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our K–8 Physical Education program. Your generosity has transformed both our gym and our playground. The addition of a full class set of scooters has made one of the biggest differences—our K–4 students can now all participate at the same time, allowing us to run new full-class games, relays, and cooperative challenges that were never possible before. The students' reactions when they walked in and saw enough scooters for everyone were priceless—cheers, big smiles, and questions like, \"Are these really for us?\" It was an unforgettable moment that set the tone for weeks of excitement and engagement.\r\n\r\nYour donation of basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, recess jump ropes, and four square balls has also greatly expanded what our students can do each day. With more equipment, students get more touches, more movement, and more opportunities to build confidence and skills without long wait times. The recess kits have especially helped create more active, inclusive play outside, and teachers have noticed how much smoother and more positive recess has become. I was also thrilled to receive plastic hockey pucks, which now allow us to run a full—and safe—floor hockey unit, giving students a new sport to explore that many have never tried before.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support lessons centered on cooperation, motor skill development, and healthy movement habits. We're currently planning more advanced small-group games, student-led challenges, and sport-specific rotations that are now possible because we finally have enough equipment. Your generosity has not only enriched our PE program—it has created daily moments of joy, belonging, and personal growth for every student who walks into the gym. Thank you again for believing in our kids and making such a meaningful impact.","fullyFundedDate":1759107263956,"projectUrl":"project/new-pe-equipment-for-urban-school/9753983/","projectTitle":"New PE Equipment for Urban School","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Colago","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10276310_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758804216057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276310"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41407","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":345,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":51,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":65.9,"schoolId":41407,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about New Branches Charter Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"New Branches Charter Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/michigan-department-of-education/new-branches-school/41407"}
Join the 205 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
New Branches Charter Academy is
an urban public school
in Grand Rapids, Michigan that is part of Michigan Department of Education.
It serves 345 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.2:1.
Its teachers have had 57 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support New Branches Charter Academy
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
80%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
New Branches Charter Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 18, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
New Branches Charter Academy
$25,524
raised using DonorsChoose
57
projects
funded
18
teachers
funded
205
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
13
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
New Branches Charter Academy has received support from
135 individuals from Michigan and
70 individuals out-of-state.
