Taylor Exemplar Academy
General Information
About
Taylor Exemplar Academy is a tuition‑free public charter school located in Taylor, Michigan, serving students from kindergarten through grade 8. Established in 2006 and operated by a charter school network, the school works to offer not only foundational academic instruction aligned with state standards but also incorporates a character‑building initiative called the Moral Focus™ program. Students at Taylor Exemplar benefit from a structured, supportive learning environment that emphasizes academic growth, personal integrity, and community engagement. With a mission to build both college‑ and life‑ready learners, Taylor Exemplar provides a broad curriculum, enrichment opportunities, and frequent family partnership avenues.
The school uses smaller classroom sizes, intentional student‑teacher relationships, and a values component to shape young learners in a holistic way. Located in a suburban area of Wayne County, the campus is designed to serve families seeking an alternative to traditional public schools while remaining accessible and inclusive. By engaging students from early elementary years through middle grades in a coherent K‑8 model, Taylor Exemplar promotes continuity of experience, stable peer cohorts, and consistent instructional philosophy across years, which helps students build momentum academically and socially as they progress.
Contact Informations
Address: 26727 Goddard Road, Taylor, MI 48180
Phone: (734) 941‑7742
Email: [School email address not publicly specified in full]
Grades Served: Kindergarten through Grade 8
Charter/Authorizer: Charter school authorized by Bay Mills Community College, managed under the charter network umbrella
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2006 |
| School Type | Tuition‑free public charter K‑8 school |
| Serving Grades | Kindergarten through Grade 8 |
| Address | 26727 Goddard Road, Taylor, MI 48180 |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 643 students (2023‑24) |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | Around 24.7 : 1 (2023‑24) |
| Mission / Focus | Academic excellence, character development (Moral Focus) |
| Authorizer | Bay Mills Community College |
Taylor Exemplar Academy Rankings
| Ranking Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Niche Overall Grade | B minus | For K‑8 charter school in Michigan |
| Most Diverse Public K‑8 Schools in MI | #52 of ~234 | Based on diversity ranking in Michigan |
| Best Charter Elementary Schools in MI | #50 of ~209 | According to Niche listing |
| GreatSchools Rating | 5 / 10 | Comparative rating among Michigan public and charter schools |
Taylor Exemplar Academy Academics
Taylor Exemplar Academy Faculties / Departments
- Early Elementary Department (Grades K‑2)
- Upper Elementary Department (Grades 3‑5)
- Middle School Department (Grades 6‑8)
- English Language Arts & Reading Department
- Mathematics Department
- Science & Social Studies Department
- Technology & Digital Learning Department
- Enrichment/Arts Department (Music, Art, Physical Education, Clubs)
- Character & Moral Focus Department (integrated values education)
- Special Programs Department (Intervention and support services)
Taylor Exemplar Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
- Foundational Literacy (phonics, reading, writing workshop)
- Mathematics (number sense, operations, pre‑algebra and algebra readiness)
- Science (life science, physical science, earth/space topics)
- Social Studies (community, U.S. history, Michigan history, geography)
- Technology Integration (digital citizenship, coding basics, blended learning)
- Enrichment Electives (music, visual art, physical education, clubs)
- Character Development (Moral Focus program emphasizing virtues such as respect, perseverance, compassion, courage)
- Middle School Preparatory Courses (grades 6‑8 aligned with college‑readiness framework)
- Intervention / Support Services (small‑group instruction, differentiated learning, special education support)
Online Learning
Taylor Exemplar Academy offers digital learning components through classroom devices and blended instructional models. While the primary mode of instruction is in‑person, the school utilizes online platforms for homework, enrichment, assessments and remote learning scenarios. Students are encouraged to develop digital literacy and self‑paced learning habits through these tools. The charter framework supports online readiness as part of the school’s commitment to 21st‑century skills and academic flexibility.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Proficiency | ~44% | As reported in recent data |
| Mathematics Proficiency | ~27% | As reported in recent data |
| Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) | N/A | These are not applicable at the K‑8 level |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a K‑8 charter school, Taylor Exemplar Academy does not confer high‑school diplomas or college degrees, so traditional graduation rates are not applicable. Instead, the school measures retention by student persistence through grade levels, stability of enrollment, and the successful transition of eighth‑grade students to high school. The school monitors students’ progression, attendance, academic growth and readiness for high school as part of its continuity strategy. The charter model places emphasis on maintaining a strong cohort and a consistent instructional culture across grades K through 8, thereby supporting longer‑term student engagement and preparedness.
Taylor Exemplar Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Since Taylor Exemplar Academy serves students from kindergarten through grade 8, traditional GPA ranges and SAT/ACT score requirements do not apply. Admission is conducted primarily via application to the charter school and is open to eligible students in the area, without academic test thresholds for entry.
Taylor Exemplar Academy Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Method | Charter lottery / open enrollment | Seats allocated to qualifying applicants |
| Application Fee | $0 | No cost to apply to attend |
Taylor Exemplar Academy Application Requirements
Application to Taylor Exemplar Academy is designed to facilitate equitable access and simplify the enrollment process for families. Prospective students must reside within the eligibility area, complete an enrollment application form, and provide required documentation such as proof of age, immunization records, guardianship or residency verification, and past school records if transferring. Because the school is a K‑8 charter institution, there are no academic entry exams or minimum GPA requirements.
Families are encouraged to attend open houses or tours, review the school’s program philosophy (including the Moral Focus character component), and submit applications within the designated window. Once accepted, families complete registration paperwork, attend orientation, and prepare students for the start of the school year. The process emphasizes transparency, simplicity, and broad access rather than academic filtering.
Application Process
- Submit completed enrollment application form within the charter school’s specified window
- Attend information session or school tour if available
- Provide documentation (proof of age, residency, immunization, prior school record)
- If more applicants than seats, participate in a lottery system (charter law)
- Accept offered seat and complete registration paperwork
- Attend orientation for new students and start of school year routine
Taylor Exemplar Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Application Opens | Early spring | Charter network announces window |
| Application Deadline / Lottery | Late spring/early summer | Lottery held if oversubscribed |
| Notification of Acceptance | Shortly after lottery | Families respond to offer |
| New Student Orientation | Late summer | Families and students attend |
| First Day of School | Early September | As per charter school calendar |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable for Taylor Exemplar Academy; the admissions process does not include essay requirements for entry into the K‑8 grades.
Taylor Exemplar Academy Scholarships
As a tuition‑free public charter school, Taylor Exemplar Academy does not charge tuition and does not require scholarships for attendance. As a publicly funded charter institution, the school provides free access for enrolled students; any supplemental activities or optional programs may have associated costs or fundraising but are not required for core attendance.
Taylor Exemplar Academy Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 | Public charter school attendance is free |
| Application / Enrollment Fee | $0 | No cost to apply |
| Additional Costs | Variable | Optional extracurricular, uniforms, etc., may apply |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
At Taylor Exemplar Academy, the student population covers kindergarten through grade 8, with ages roughly from 5 to 14 years old. In recent data for the 2023‑24 school year, the total enrollment was 643 students with 335 males and 308 females. Ethnic/racial breakdown included approximately 26 Asian students, 339 Black students, 43 Hispanic students, 156 White students and 79 students of two or more races. The school reflects a diverse student body within its suburban Michigan context.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Taylor Exemplar Academy serves a large proportion of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds: around 474 students were eligible for free lunch and 42 for reduced‑price lunch in recent data, totaling 516 students, indicating a significant low‑income population. Data on students with disabilities is less detailed in publicly summarized form, but as a K‑8 charter, the school offers intervention services, support programs and complies with state special education mandates.
Student Body
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 643 students | For 2023‑24 school year |
| Student‑Teacher Ratio | ~24.7 : 1 | Based on 26 full‑time teacher equivalent |
| Free/Reduced Lunch | 516 students | Economic disadvantage indicator |
| International Students | 0% (no separate category) | No reported international student data |
University Diversity
Although Taylor Exemplar Academy functions as a charter K‑8 school rather than a university, its commitment to diversity is evident in the varied backgrounds of its student body. The school welcomes children across multiple racial and ethnic identities and serves a high percentage of students from economically disadvantaged households. This level of socioeconomic and racial diversity contributes to rich classroom interaction, peer learning experiences and inclusive community engagement. Teachers and staff at the school actively engage in culturally responsive instruction, value students’ differing lived experiences, and integrate character‑building components to reinforce respect, perseverance and collaboration among peers.
The diversity present at Taylor Exemplar enables students to encounter different viewpoints, develop empathy, and prepare for increasingly globalized and multicultural environments. Furthermore, the school’s structure supports equitable access to quality instruction and enrichment for students who might otherwise face limited options in traditional public schools. In this way, the school situates diversity not only as demographic fact but as a foundational asset to learning, character development and community cohesion.
Average Earnings
While direct data on average earnings of alumni is not available because Taylor Exemplar Academy serves grades K through 8 (rather than a post‑secondary cohort), the early educational environment plays a pivotal role in shaping future earning potential. By providing rigorous instruction, character development, digital learning opportunities and supports for students from diverse backgrounds, the school lays a foundation for high school success, college readiness, and ultimately stronger career pathways. Research indicates that students who enter college‑preparatory tracks, maintain proficiency in core subjects, and develop critical thinking and self‑management skills are more likely to achieve higher educational attainment, access better employment opportunities and earn higher incomes over their lifetimes. Taylor Exemplar’s model—emphasizing academic and moral formation—positions students to engage more fully in secondary and post‑secondary pathways, thereby setting the stage for improved individual and familial economic outcomes. For families and the community, investment in K‑8 education at this charter school is part of a broader strategy to enhance upward mobility, shorten opportunity gaps and drive long‑term earning and life satisfaction trajectories.
Taylor Exemplar Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at Taylor Exemplar Academy comprise certified elementary and middle school teachers, instructional coaches, enrichment specialists (music, art, physical education, technology), special education support, administrative leadership and support personnel. With a student‑teacher ratio of approximately 24.7 : 1 (for the 2023‑24 school year), the school strives to maintain manageable class sizes and individualized instructional attention. Leadership includes a principal and administrative team that sets instructional priorities, aligns the Moral Focus™ program, oversees professional development, and maintains school culture. Teachers engage in network‑based professional learning, instructional coaching, data‑driven practice and character‑education integration.
Faculty Profiles
At Taylor Exemplar Academy, faculty members bring expertise in K‑8 instruction, differentiated learning, blended digital learning, character‑education frameworks and small‑group intervention. The school is operated by a charter network which provides a structured professional development system, enabling teachers to refine their pedagogy, collaborate across grade levels, and adapt to diverse student needs. The Moral Focus character initiative further demonstrates staff commitment not only to academic outcomes but to whole‑child development—instilling virtues such as respect, perseverance and compassion in daily practice. Although specific individual teacher achievements are not publicly enumerated in large detail, the school’s charter status and network affiliation signify that educators are selected and supported to uphold high‑expectation instructional environments. Enrichment teachers lead clubs, sports and after‑school programs thereby expanding staff influence beyond traditional classroom teaching into co‑curricular leadership roles. Collectively, the faculty culture at Taylor Exemplar supports academic growth, character development and personalized student engagement.
Taylor Exemplar Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Taylor Exemplar Academy provides a day‑school educational environment for students in kindergarten through grade 8; it does not offer on‑campus housing or residential facilities. The campus is located in a suburban neighborhood of Taylor, Michigan, at 26727 Goddard Road and serves local families. Student life includes academic classes, enrichment programs (such as clubs, sports, music and art), character development activities, community events and family engagement nights. While no residential component is available, the school fosters a vibrant day‑school community with structured routines, safe and nurturing environment, partnerships with families, extracurricular options and opportunities for student leadership and peer collaboration across grade levels. The campus culture emphasizes respect, responsibility and growth—elements embedded in both the instructional day and the broader student life experience.
Transportation
Given its suburban location in Taylor, Michigan, the campus is accessible via local roads and typically accommodates car drop‑off and pick‑up routines as part of daily student traffic flow. While public transportation may be limited compared to urban centers, the school likely offers bus routes in coordination with the charter network or local district for eligible students. On‑campus mobility is structured with designated drop‑off zones, safe passage between classrooms, enrichment areas, playgrounds and gym spaces; careful supervision ensures smooth student transitions and a secure environment. The building houses kindergarten through grade 8 students in clusters or wings appropriate to age ranges, enabling vertical continuity of instruction and mentoring between older and younger students. The campus layout and transportation configuration support efficient daily operations, enabling families to plan for commutes, after‑school logistics and extracurricular participation with confidence.