Students at Oakland FlexTech Academy Learn Real World Math

At Oakland Flex Tech Academy, a tuition-free charter school in Novi, students are the architects of their own learning. The school uses a project-based approach that requires students to think critically and show what they know, often to an authentic public audience.  

As part of his Business Math course, 12th grader Jay Lange worked with his math instructors, Michelle Cox and Stephanie Butman, to design a project that compared different types of phone plans.  He applied what he learned about linear functions to decide which cell phone plan addressed his needs. He was able to determine that phone companies had the financial ability to allow their consumers a $400 break based on how much money the companies would make off of phone plans in the long run.  Jay presented his project to an audience of his peers and the school board.  According to Jay, he gained valuable math and communication skills during the process, and was able to apply a topic like linear functions to something relevant to his life.

Jay is a straight-A student who thrives in OFTA’s individualized, project-based setting.  Jay’s mother, Vicky Lange, compared his experience in traditional public school with his experience at Oakland FlexTech: “He is more confident and likes school. I have never heard him say that before, he always talked about how much he hated school throughout most of his academic life. At OFTA he likes to participate, and is enjoying learning. He likes the enthusiasm of the teachers. I also believe there is great mentoring at the school”

Cox and Butman believe Jay is on the fast track to a successful life based on his ability to communicate, to think critically,  and to creatively solve challenging problems. They continue to challenge Jay with online courses like Intro to Stats.  With their support, Jay finished the course in record time.  

“I am so grateful for OFTA, it is the best opportunity for my son. He always had great grades but didn't like school. Now he is enjoying learning. At many conventional schools the emphasis is on the grade, not learning. It is a very sad reality,” says Lange.  

Oakland Flex Tech Academy is currently enrolling students in grades 9-12.  For more information, visit their website at oaklandflextech.org or call 248-471-6799.