{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Excel Charter Academy","outOfStateSupporters":18.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10425282,"projectId":10116866,"letterContent":"The new resources have truly transformed the way my students learn and interact in our classroom. From the moment the clipboards, headphones, STEM tubs, and organization tools arrived, they were immediately put to use in meaningful ways. One standout moment was during our reading workshop. Students spread out across the room using their clipboards, choosing spots on the carpet or around the classroom that helped them focus best. With their headphones, they were able to listen to audiobooks while following along in their own texts, building both fluency and confidence. At the same time, our STEM tubs have become a favorite during our exploration blocks. One group of students recently worked together to design and build a bridge using materials from the tubs, testing its strength and making improvements after each trial. It was incredible to watch their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and creativity come to life in such a hands-on way.\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate and contagious. There were gasps, cheers, and so many questions about when they could start using everything. The clipboards made them feel like \"real researchers,\" and the headphones quickly became a treasured tool that helped them feel focused and independent. The STEM tubs sparked curiosity right away—students couldn't wait to open them and explore what was inside. Even the organization tools made a noticeable difference; students took pride in having a classroom that felt neat, structured, and designed for their success. It was a powerful reminder that these tools are more than just supplies—they create an environment where students feel valued, capable, and motivated to learn.\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to support deeper learning and new opportunities in our classroom. Currently, students are beginning a project that integrates both literacy and STEM skills. They will be reading informational texts and then working in groups to design a solution to a real-world problem, using the STEM tubs to build and test their ideas. The clipboards will allow them to sketch plans, take notes, and reflect on their progress, while the headphones will support differentiated learning as students access audio versions of texts or research materials. Our goal is to help students not only understand content, but also apply their learning in creative and meaningful ways. Thanks to these donations, my students are developing critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence—skills that will benefit them far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771974211952,"projectUrl":"project/school-supplies-for-everyone/10116866/","projectTitle":"School Supplies for Everyone!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thiry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10425282"},{"teacherId":10443296,"projectId":10122916,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to the basic materials that help them stay organized and ready to learn each day. Supplies like binders, dividers, and pencils may seem simple, but they make a huge difference in helping students keep track of their work, take notes, and build independence. Instead of worrying about whether they have what they need, students can focus their energy on participating in lessons and developing important academic skills. Having snacks available has also helped students stay focused and engaged throughout the day, especially during longer learning periods when hunger can make it difficult to concentrate.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the iPad has been especially exciting for my students. It allows me to model lessons more clearly by displaying examples, showing step-by-step processes, and presenting materials in a more engaging and accessible way. Many of my students benefit from visual and interactive instruction, and the iPad helps bring lessons to life in a way that supports their understanding. Students are always eager when we use technology during lessons, and it has helped increase participation and engagement in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThis technology has also been incredibly valuable for some of my students who experience communication challenges. The iPad allows us to begin exploring different AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) applications and tools that may help them communicate more effectively. Being able to trial these options gives our team important data as we determine the best supports to include in their IEPs. Seeing students begin to express themselves in new ways has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of this project. Your support has helped create a classroom environment where students have the tools, nourishment, and technology they need to feel confident and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1772424684264,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-our-classroom-for-success-too/10122916/","projectTitle":"Equipping Our Classroom for Success: Tools, Organization, and Full Tummies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hanstra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10443296_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772205574897","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10443296"},{"teacherId":2973441,"projectId":10126740,"letterContent":"The students love the fidgets and the desk bands you sent over. Our reading classroom can be more focused using these resources. Thank you for providing these!\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the bands on the desks, they got very excited to try them out. \r\n\r\nHere's what my classroom now looks like: every student has access to a desk band which gives them an option for getting wiggles out without leaving their desks. The new books you provided add to the classroom library. One student looked at the cover of one of the new books and said, \"She looks like me.\" This was a beautiful moment for her. Another student saw the books before I could put them into the classroom library and said, \"Can I read this?\" The books generated a new enthusiasm for reading. I so appreciate your help and generosity. Thank you for making the process such an easy one. We really appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1772491146572,"projectUrl":"project/here-we-read/10126740/","projectTitle":"Here, We Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lautenbach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2973441"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62988","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":791,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":31,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.3,"schoolId":62988,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Excel Charter Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Excel Charter Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/michigan-department-of-education/excel-charter-academy/62988"}
Join the 123 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Excel Charter Academy is
an urban public school
in Grand Rapids, Michigan that is part of Michigan Department of Education.
It serves 791 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.8:1.
Its teachers have had 30 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
54%
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.
Excel Charter Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Mar 23, 2026
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.
Excel Charter Academy
$15,588
raised using DonorsChoose
30
projects
funded
23
teachers
funded
123
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
2
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Excel Charter Academy has received support from
100 individuals from Michigan and
23 individuals out-of-state.
