A Tuition-free K-8 charter school in Port Huron — right in your neighborhood
A tuition-free K–8 public charter school on 7th Street in Port Huron, serving neighborhood families since 2014 and authorized by Northern Michigan University.
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NMU
About our school
A small neighborhood school with a big heart
Families walk their kids to our door. Teachers know siblings, grandparents, and the crossing guard by name. That closeness is the whole point: small class sizes mean your child is seen every day, not just at conferences.
We opened in 2014 as a K–5 school, added middle school in 2015, and have been a full K–8 academy since 2018. We are authorized by Northern Michigan University and managed by Summit Management Consulting.
Leader in Me school
Leadership curriculum built on the 7 Habits
East Shore is a certified Leader in Me school. Rooted in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® and The 4 Disciplines of Execution®, the framework gives every student a role, a goal, and the language to lead — in the classroom, at home, and in Port Huron.
Every child tracks their own academic data and leadership goals.
Not just the top of the class — every student holds a job in the school.
Programs
Preschool through 8th grade, plus after school
One building, one community, from four-year-olds to eighth graders heading off to high school.
GSRP Preschool
Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program at East Shore is free, state-funded preschool for eligible four-year-olds — the same building, teachers, and routines your child will grow into for kindergarten.
Athletic Factory After School Program
Every East Shore student is eligible for our partnership with the Athletic Factory: homework help, enrichment, and sports-based activities after the final bell, so working parents have somewhere trusted for their kids to be.
Special Education & Support
Our support team works alongside classroom teachers to serve students with IEPs and 504 plans, with the small-school advantage of everyone knowing your child’s plan.
Why Port Huron families choose East Shore
Tuition-free education, K–8
A public charter school with no tuition and no enrollment fees, open to every family in the area.
Academics plus leadership
Students learn to think critically, set goals, and take initiative — skills that carry into high school and beyond.
Small classes, real attention
Intentionally small class sizes so teachers, staff, and families can work together on one child at a time.
Safe and welcoming
A daily culture of respect, responsibility, and kindness, in a building where every adult knows your child.
What Parents Say
“My son has attended East Shore since he was in 1st grade. In the now 5 years since he started here I have seen a tremendous amount of growth both academically and personally in him.”
Sandra J.
“The individual care for each student is unmatched and communication with parents is top tier. It’s obvious how much each staff member cares for every family to come through their doors.”
Sharessa Isabell
“Absolutely love this school hands down. All the teachers know my kids by name and talk to them as soon as they make eye contact, and I love that.”
Samantha Burns
Upcoming at East Shore
October 2026
Seats are open for Kindergarten through 8th grade
our blog
East Shore Leadership Academy News
School updates and resources for Port Huron families, written by our team.
faq
Questions families ask us first
Still wondering about something? Request information, we would be happy to assist you.
Is East Shore really tuition-free?
Yes. We are a public charter school, so there is no tuition and no enrollment fee for any family.
Do we have to live in a certain district?
No. Any Michigan family may enroll, though most of our students live right in the surrounding Port Huron neighborhoods.
When can we enroll?
Enrollment is open year-round for Kindergarten through 8th grade, and for GSRP preschool as seats allow.
Can I visit before deciding?
Please do. Schedule a tour any school day, or come to our next open house.
request information
See what east shore is like before you decide anything
Tell us a little about your family and we will send you enrollment details for the grade your child is entering, plus everything else parents usually ask about: class sizes, the school day, GSRP preschool, and the Athletic Factory after school program.
✓ Enrollment steps and what documents to bring
✓ A look at the Leader in Me school day, grade by grade
✓ GSRP preschool eligibility and how to apply
✓ Athletic Factory after school days, hours, and activities
Ready to enroll? Start your application here.
See the school your neighbors already trust
Tour a classroom, meet a teacher, and ask us anything. Enrollment is open year-round for Kindergarten through 8th grade.
