Founders Library

Interview of Andy DeVries

Andy DeVriesGrand Valley State University (GVSU)Michael Cousins Oral History 2019 MI

Andy DeVries, board president at Grand River Prep High School and former board member at Excel Charter Academy, discussed his journey in the charter school movement. Initially motivated by business struggles in finding entry-level employees with basic skills, DeVries was inspired by JC Huizenga to create a school focused on education. Despite initial opposition and media criticism, Excel Charter Academy thrived, eventually expanding to a K-12 model. The school’s success is evident in its high college acceptance rates and significant scholarship earnings. DeVries emphasized the need to lift the charter school cap and remove political influences to foster collaboration between public and charter schools.

Transcript

Outline

Andy DeVries’ Early Experiences with Education and Business Challenges

  • Michael Cousins introduces Andy DeVries, highlighting his 25-year involvement in the charter schools movement and his roles at Grand River Prep High School and Excel Charter Academy.
  • Andy DeVries recalls his first encounter with the term “school choice” in the early 90s, noting his frustration with finding business-ready high school graduates.
  • Andy shares a pivotal dinner conversation with JC Huizenga, who introduced him to the concept of charter schools and their potential to address educational shortcomings.
  • Andy describes his initial experience as a substitute teacher in the Grand Rapids Public School System, which left him disillusioned with the educational system.

The Formation of Excel Charter Academy

  • Andy explains how JC Huizenga’s enthusiasm for charter schools led to their collaboration, with Andy offering his educational expertise to the cause.
  • Andy details his transition from public to private education, teaching at a Christian school for 12 years and witnessing the frustrations his wife faced in the public school system.
  • Michael Cousins asks about Andy’s involvement in Excel Charter Academy, which opened in 1995, and Andy recounts his initial volunteer efforts and subsequent role on the school board.
  • Andy describes the challenges faced by Excel Charter Academy in its early years, including media opposition and the need to build support within the community.

Community Support and Initial Success

  • Andy recalls the overwhelming parental interest in Excel Charter Academy, with a lottery system used to determine student admissions.
  • He shares a memorable moment at the waterfront place, where parents eagerly awaited the lottery results, demonstrating the demand for quality education.
  • Andy highlights the involvement of a former principal who joined the school, bringing valuable guidance and helping to establish Excel Charter Academy as a successful educational institution.
  • The school’s growth and the addition of a new building on Breton and Burton are discussed, along with the initial skepticism from neighbors who later became supporters.

Expansion and Challenges of Growth

  • Andy discusses the decision to build a middle school to accommodate the growing student population, with JC Huizenga’s support and the involvement of political figures.
  • The success of the middle school led to pressure from parents for a high school, as students began to disperse to other schools for their high school education.
  • Andy explains the creation of PrepNet to manage the high school operations, allowing Excel Charter Academy to focus on its K-8 program.
  • The transition to a college preparatory high school model is described, with a requirement for students to be accepted by a college upon graduation.

Achievements and Future Goals

  • Michael Cousins highlights the success of Grand River Preparatory High School, which consistently ranks among the best high schools in Michigan and has earned significant scholarships for its graduates.
  • Andy reflects on the fulfillment of their initial dream, noting the personal satisfaction of signing diplomas and recognizing the diverse backgrounds of the students.
  • The growth of the graduation ceremonies, from a small field house to a large venue at Calvin College, is celebrated as a testament to the school’s success.
  • Andy discusses the need to lift the cap on charter schools and remove political influences to allow for continued growth and collaboration between public and charter schools.

Reflections on the Journey and Future Aspirations

  • Andy expresses his desire for public schools to adopt the goal-oriented approach of charter schools, focusing on educating students rather than merely moving them through the system.
  • He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and sharing best practices between public and charter schools to improve education overall.
  • Andy shares his willingness to continue his involvement in the charter school movement, despite past challenges and adversarial interactions with parents.
  • The conversation concludes with Andy’s commitment to the mission of providing quality education and his hope for a future where public and charter schools work together for the benefit of all students.