The new Curtis charter school, Three Lakes Academy, which will replace the Curtis Elementary School that was closed down in June 2008, is nearly ready to open, Administrator Matt Hirsch said. Laurel Frasier, Debra Mersnick, and Brent Hammer have been hired to teach at the school, and Mr. Hirsch will teach classes, as well. The school is expected to open Tuesday, September 8.

Enrollment for the school has reached 70% of its capacity; it will be capable of serving 120 students. A maximum of 25 students are allowed in each classroom.

Meetings with interested parents are underway to address any questions the parents may have, such as how transportation will be handled and what curriculum will be taught at the school.

Even though "academy" is in the school's name, it is a public school that does not charge tuition, Mr. Hirsch said.

Kindergarten through sixth grade will be taught at the school, and there will be an emphasis on environmental science. Many jobs available in the Upper Peninsula are focused on the environment, Mr. Hirsch said, so adding that subject to the curriculum was a natural choice. Courses on health, art, mathematics, and language arts will be taught, as well.

Environmental studies will be incorporated throughout the curriculum, Mr. Hirsch said, and will not be limited to a single class. Mathematics and science, for example, may be taught by recording how tall a plant has grown over several days and the reasons for the growth. Field trips will be frequent, as well, he added. Some trips may be as simple as getting out of the classroom and observing the plant and wildlife around the school.

The school has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, and Seney Wildlife Refuge to develop the environmental study aspect. Teachers will be taught how to integrate the environment into other studies through a five-day workshop in mid-August, Mr. Hirsch said.

Creating a garden or greenhouse by the school is also being considered.

A foreign language component is under consideration, Mr. Hirsch said. One will be added if enough students are enrolled in the school.

Busing will be available, but details are still being worked out. Buses may be purchased or shared with other schools, Mr. Hirsch said.

The charter school is funded through state aid and grants. The grants are used for purchasing educational supplies, equipment, and training for faculty and staff. A $160,000 start-up grant for the school was received in May 2008 from the U.S. Department of Education.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be Saturday, August 15, at the school at West 17540 Main Street in Curtis.