Berrien Springs Public Schools
A District of Choices for the Modern Learner
Berrien Springs Public Schools (BSPS) is dedicated to providing students and families with choices in how they want to learn. Whether a student wants to learn in the building, online, online in the building, at home, in a center, at their own pace, on their own time, or in the community, Berrien Springs finds a way to help each student grow to their full potential. No matter where a student enters or exits the district, they are part of the BSPS family and will graduate Opportunity Ready with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions as defined by their district-wide goals.
Over 8,400 students across the state, with nearly 2,000 on campus, are impacted by this small district in the far southwest corner of Michigan. Approximately seventy percent of enrolled students are at-risk, and forty-three percent of students across all programs come from diverse backgrounds. This rich cultural fabric is largely influenced by the district's proximity to Andrews University, a global institution representing 92 different countries. As the children of Andrews University faculty, staff, and students enroll in BSPS, the district welcomes a high volume of English Learners, creating a vibrant, international classroom environment.
Program offerings in the district include two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, a virtual academy, an alternative education school, a parent partnership, and three off-site programs. In all buildings and programs, parents are encouraged to be partners in their child’s learning and participate in school events with community members.
Dr. Thomas Bruce assumed the superintendency following nearly two years as the district’s Deputy Superintendent, a role he was selected for due to his progressive leadership style and a steadfast commitment to innovation in student achievement. His career began in Howell, MI, where he spent 15 years as an elementary teacher while spearheading data analysis and school improvement initiatives. After earning his doctoral degree from Azusa Pacific University, Dr. Bruce transitioned to California, spending 12 years with the Arcadia Unified School District as a principal and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Following a successful tenure as the Superintendent of St. Joseph Public Schools, he brought his expertise to Berrien Springs, where he continues to advocate for student-centered learning and the creation of unique educational pathways for every learner.
The district makes intentional decisions to be student-centered. All teaching and learning is filtered through an instructional model, which includes the following four pillars: Clear and High Expectations, Equitable Instruction, Authentic Engagement, and Formative Feedback.
The Framework for Success
A critical component of personalizing the student experience at Berrien Springs is the strategic use of technology. The district was an early adopter of 1:1 device distribution, ensuring every student has the hardware necessary to succeed. To bridge the digital divide, MiFi units are available for reliable home internet access for all families. Across all buildings and programs, educators utilize Schoology to deliver tailored content and the Prisms platform to facilitate targeted interventions. By integrating these digital tools, the district can collect real-time data points, allowing teachers to identify exactly where a student needs extra support and deploy technology-driven solutions immediately.
To ensure a seamless PreK-12 continuum, BSPS has aligned essential standards across all educational programs, providing a consistent experience regardless of which path a student chooses. Since adopting standards-based grading in 2013, the district has utilized Marzano’s conversion tools to maintain high academic rigor. Beyond traditional test scores, growth is defined by tangible demonstrations of learning. This is managed through Pulse, a custom software program developed in part by the Link Learning staff to meticulously track longitudinal student growth.
The district invests heavily in adult learning, mirroring the agency given to students, by providing staff with choices in their professional growth. In addition to external conferences, teachers participate in professional learning communities (PLCs). By utilizing internal staff to lead professional development and moving toward competency-based education (CBE) for both students and staff, Berrien Springs ensures that its educators are as adaptable and innovative as the students they teach.
Growing Together
At Berrien, teams work across buildings to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students through the lens of the learner. To provide meaningful choices, educators prioritize truly knowing their students, using everything from daily greetings and surveys to platforms like Zello for career exploration and partnerships with Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG). This commitment extends beyond graduation; the district actively interviews alumni during their holiday breaks to learn how well BSPS prepared them for life and where the district can continue to improve.
While recognized as the fastest-growing district in Michigan over the last 20 years, its mission remains rooted in the word "together." Past Superintendent Dave Eichberg credits this success to a community and Board of Education that embraces educational choice. This support allows leaders to view change as an opportunity, spending their energy on innovation and creative problem-solving rather than being hindered by traditional barriers. This heart for kids has turned difficult challenges into growth opportunities for both students and staff.
To advance this mission, the district embraces "Unreasonable Hospitality," treating education as a high-level service and ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and valued as a true partner in their education. This culture fosters genuine student agency, where learners own their lifelong learning journeys, from managing their own agendas to developing passion projects that align with academic standards.
Three core pillars support this journey:
- Project-Based Learning (PBL): Connecting standards to real-world passions.
- Mastery Learning: Focusing on proficiency rather than just seat time.
- Effective Formative Feedback: A continuous dialogue that empowers students to reflect on and adjust their own goals.
Berrien Springs is a trailblazer in the education sector by staying connected to global innovation. Through involvement with the MiCoOp, the FLC (Future of Learning Council), PLTF (Personalized Learning Task Force), and the executive committee of DLAC (The Community Advancing Distance Learning), BSPS stays at the forefront of modern pedagogy. By prioritizing clear instruction, accountability focused on growth, and individual support, the district continues to move from "good to great," providing a clear path for every teacher and student to grow.
The following are highlights of the growth opportunities offered at Berrien Springs Public Schools.
Positive Behavior Intervention Support Academy
The Berrien Springs' Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) model reflects the district’s commitment to supporting the whole child. BSPS recognizes that academic success is directly connected to a student’s emotional well-being, sense of belonging, relationships, and overall school experience. Driven by this insight, the district has intentionally focused on a proactive, student-centered approach focused on teaching, intervention, relationship building, and problem-solving.
Through PBIS, BSPS works to reduce out-of-school suspensions while building a positive school culture grounded in its Shamrock Pride values of R.O.C.K.S. - Respect, Ownership, Compassion, Knowledge, and Success.
Student Services Director Luke Antvelink helps lead this work through a team of building coordinators and support staff to engage with a hands-on, relationship-first philosophy centered around prevention and early intervention. Rather than waiting for behaviors to escalate into disciplinary referrals, the PBIS team actively works to identify barriers students may be experiencing both inside and outside of school. Whether that means sitting with students at lunch, checking in between classes, co-teaching in classrooms, or supporting attendance concerns, the focus is on building trust, strengthening connections, and understanding the “why” behind behaviors before they become larger issues.
“We want to understand why a behavior is happening, and address the needs where students are at and what they need.” Luke Antvelink, Student Services Director
The work extends beyond behavior support alone. The PBIS team collaborates closely with staff, counselors, attendance teams, and families to address barriers related to attendance, engagement, emotional regulation, and school belonging. The overall goal is to ensure students feel connected, supported, and successful within their school community.
Supports Within the PBIS Academy
- Targeted academic tutoring and instructional support
- Independent work time focused on responsibility and self-management
- Behavior intervention and reflection opportunities
- Relationship building and restorative conversations
- Attendance support and barrier identification
- Emotional regulation and problem-solving strategies
When students do utilize the PBIS room, the environment is intentionally structured as a support system focused on growth and accountability rather than punishment. Students are provided opportunities to reflect, reset, learn replacement skills, and receive academic and emotional support. The ultimate goal is always to return students to their classrooms as quickly as possible with the tools, support, and confidence needed to be successful.
Personalizing with Project-Based Learning
Drawing inspiration from a visit to High Tech High in California, Berrien Springs integrated Project-Based Learning (PBL) into its curriculum. Unlike traditional models that isolate subjects into silos, the PBL approach weaves math, language arts, and social studies into cohesive, multi-disciplinary projects. Every unit is intentionally designed around the district’s core competencies—the Four Cs: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Creativity. This model ensures that students aren't just memorizing facts but are developing the essential skills required for the modern workforce.
The district’s commitment to learning by doing is further solidified through the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum, which spans all grade levels. The PLTW Launch program serves as the foundation for the elementary science curriculum, blending scientific inquiry with other core subjects to spark early interest. Middle school students engage in semester-long electives via PLTW Gateway, transitioning into more complex problem-solving, and high school students can dive deep into specialized pathways: Biomedical Science, Engineering, or Computer Science. In the Principles of Biomedical Science course, students investigate the death of a fictional person using the same diagnostic equipment and autopsy reporting software used by lab professionals, while in the Human Body Systems course, learning is tactile; students literally build the human body by adding clay organs and tissue to skeletal Maniken® models.
The success of the PLTW initiative is rooted in rigorous staff preparation and robust community partnerships. Teachers undergo extensive training before entering the classroom: high school instructors complete a two-week immersive student experience of the course, while middle and elementary teachers engage in targeted week-long and modular training.
This internal expertise is bolstered by external support. Local businesses and organizations play a vital role by serving on advisory councils, providing guest speakers, and hosting students for field trips and internships. This synergy between classroom instruction and industry application allows students to see a clear path to their future, often while earning college credit for their PLTW coursework.
Growing in Elementary School
The journey toward student agency begins the moment a child enters the district. Since 2015, the Young 5’s program at Mars Elementary has provided a critical growth year for early learners. Utilizing a curriculum aligned with kindergarten standards, the program focuses on developmental readiness, often producing the district's strongest student leaders by the time they reach traditional grade levels.
In the Berrien Springs elementary model, data is a tool for the student. Starting as early as first grade, students utilize NWEA assessments three times a year to track their own progress. These young learners are taught how to interpret their reports, identify their own areas for improvement, and take personal ownership of their academic goals. This culture of empowerment is reflected in the physical classroom, where flexible, comfortable seating allows students to configure their environment for various learning styles and collaboration. Beyond academics, the school culture emphasizes "filling buckets," a practice that instills Shamrock Pride and emotional intelligence from an early age.
At Sylvester Elementary, the schedule is intentionally designed to accommodate diverse learning paces through WIN (What I Need) time. For 40 minutes each day, the traditional schedule pauses to prioritize individual growth:
- Targeted Intervention: Students requiring extra support in reading or math meet with teachers in intimate groups of one to three.
- Enrichment: Students performing at or above expectations engage in supplemental activities led by Music and PE specialists.
This daily block ensures that no student is left behind and no student is held back, allowing everyone to progress at their own optimal speed.
Recognizing that the best learning environment is sometimes the home, Berrien Springs offers a 100% virtual pathway for elementary families. Every virtual student is paired with a Michigan-certified teacher who provides personalized strategies and content support for the family. These students remain fully integrated members of the district, enjoying the same wide array of choices as their peers, including online curriculum and the diverse offerings of the Parent Partnership electives.
Partnering with Parents
The Berrien Springs Parent Partnership is open to all K-12 district students, homeschoolers from Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, and local private school students. The program has seen massive growth, now supporting over 1,000 non-public students in the part-time partnership, alongside hundreds of public school students who integrate these unique courses into their traditional schedules.
Whether a student is looking for a full curriculum or a few specialized electives, the Partnership offers multiple learning paths for success.
- The BookShark Program: BookShark Director Amy Scott was a teacher in the public school and a homeschool parent. She manages this full-time program that serves a large community of both public and virtual academy students. It provides a structured, literature-based virtual and non-virtual curriculum for families seeking a comprehensive home-based education with teacher oversight and support.
- Project-Based Learning (PBL): Students can choose up to two partnership electives rooted in PBL. These community-based courses allow students to explore unique fields, including woodworking, mobile blacksmithing, archeology, and an introduction to aviation.
- Integrated Opportunities: The lines between "traditional" and "homeschool" are blurred for the better. Robotics, which began in the Partnership, now sees virtual, public, and homeschool students competing on the same teams.
Berrien Springs teachers and community experts co-teach elective courses in the program. Students not enrolled in BookShark can take four elective courses through the Parent Partnership. Every student, no matter their learning pathway, is paired with a Michigan-certified teacher and a mentor. While accountability is maintained through a weekly two-way connection between mentors and students, the relationship is much deeper.
Within the BookShark program specifically, four dedicated mentor teachers equip parents and assist students, providing the tools necessary for success. Families receive all of the materials needed to teach Reading, Writing, Grammar, Math, History, and Science at home, with the support of a licensed teacher, in addition to taking two elective classes offered through the Partnership.
Parent Partnership Director Sharon Haynes brings an essential perspective to the program. As a former homeschool parent, she understands the desire for parental involvement and educational choice. Under her leadership, the program has expanded beyond simple course offerings to become a hub for innovation.
From eighth graders tackling college-level dual enrollment to students mastering trades, the Parent Partnership ensures that every learner, regardless of their "home base," is prepared for college, career, and life.
Advocating for Independence at the High School
At Berrien Springs High School, the primary goal is to cultivate independent learners who can advocate for their own needs. Students are encouraged to own their educational plans, and the district supports these ambitions with tangible flexibility. Learners have the agency to:
- Master Content: Redo assignments or retake assessments to ensure true proficiency.
- Test Out: Bypass content they have already mastered to accelerate their progress.
- Bridge to Career: Receive academic credit for paid work and explore specialized CTE paths like firefighting or surgical technology.
- Graduate Early: Complete their diploma requirements in as little as three years.
Consistent with the district’s Framework for Success, the high school prioritizes growth over traditional letter grades. Learning is guided by transparent rubrics that are discussed at the start and finish of every unit. This allows students to self-assess their progress and engage in meaningful dialogue with teachers about specific learning gaps. By utilizing Schoology for all grading, students have real-time access to a realistic reflection of their progress as they move through the content.
Flexibility for students is created through a variety of avenues for learning. Berrien Springs offers the most robust CTE (Career and Technical Education) participation in the county, with nearly 50% of juniors and seniors enrolled in vocational pathways. Beyond CTE, students can accelerate their higher education through dual enrollment or the county’s Early College consortium, potentially earning an Associate’s Degree within five years.
By removing the traditional “walls" of the classroom, Berrien Springs ensures that every student can curate a schedule that prepares them for their unique version of success.
The In-person Learner: A student may take all core and elective courses in the building.
The Blended Learner: A student may take core classes in the building while completing specialized electives online.
The Virtual Learner: A student may choose a 100% virtual path while still maintaining access to district resources.
The Hybrid Learner: A student might attend the high school for math and science, complete social studies virtually, and pursue passion-based electives through the Parent Partnership.
Discovery Academy
High school students looking for a non-traditional way to obtain their high school diploma can attend the Berrien Springs Discovery Academy. The Academy assists students who have barriers to their education. Some of these barriers include homelessness, being behind in credits, desire to work at a faster pace, being a teen parent or pregnant, bullying, and work schedules, among other issues life throws at them. Berrien works with any student who is looking for an alternative to traditional schooling and is willing to follow the structure of their program.
The Academy offers flexible, online, self-paced courses with caring staff to help them succeed. While students are required to come to the building on campus, they can earn the freedom to work from home. Full-time teachers are available to students both in the building and online, and regularly check in with students to keep them on track to graduate. Students and teachers talk bi-weekly about their long- and short-term goals, and parents are kept abreast of their students’ progress.
Student growth is measured two to three times per year using NWEA testing. PSAT9, PSAT10, ACT Work Keys, and SAT testing are also done each year. Teachers review student progress and meet every three weeks to discuss the data and determine ways to improve the growth and achievement of all students. There are two 18-credit tracks for students to complete their high school diploma, and a graduation ceremony is held twice a year. Eligible students can take CTE and dual enrollment courses, and those who gain employment while in high school may receive work-study credit. Discovery Academy also partners with Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG) to help students overcome barriers, build the skills and confidence to set goals, and pursue a fulfilling career. Some of the opportunities available include resume assistance, mock interviews, job shadowing, and internship and apprenticeship opportunities. The district or a community partner provides transportation to/from the job site, and students may receive high school credit for the training. The goal of this program is not just a high school diploma, but for students to have a job or college/skilled trades plan upon graduation.
Virtual Academy
Launched in 2009 for grades 6–12, the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy is driven by a singular mission: ensuring every student graduates with a clear life plan, not just a diploma. This commitment to intentionality has yielded remarkable results, including a 100% graduation rate, with 72% of graduates transitioning to higher education and 28% entering the workforce. The program is designed as a journey of discovery; 9th and 10th graders focus on career exploration and pre-CTE skills, while 11th and 12th graders engage in deeper, specialized learning within their chosen pathways.
What distinguishes the Berrien Springs virtual model is its rejection of the isolated online experience. The program is strictly aligned with the scope and sequence of the district’s in-building courses, ensuring academic parity across all platforms. Success is anchored by a team of dedicated virtual teachers, specializing in Math, ELA, Science, and K-8 education, who operate out of a state-of-the-art physical facility. At any given time, multiple teachers are on-site to provide immediate support through targeted interventions, small group lessons that restore the social aspects of learning, and proactive mentorship to ensure content mastery.
The Virtual Academy lab maintains the same collegiate atmosphere found throughout the district—a space defined by trust and a professional, on-task work ethic. Students have the agency to choose between Edgenuity courses led by Berrien Springs staff or specialized offerings through the statewide micourses.org catalog. Accountability is woven into the digital fabric of the program, with every course requiring a pre- and post-test to quantify student learning. This data-driven approach yields significant results; based on NWEA testing, virtual students show an average growth of 1.75 years in Math, Reading, and Science. All assessments are proctored either on-campus or through advanced desktop-sharing technology, ensuring that teachers can support and validate student performance regardless of where the learning takes place.
Fostering Statewide Alternative Education
BSPS is a state leader in alternative education, serving thousands of students who are behind in credits, highly mobile, or facing life barriers. With 27 drop-in centers statewide, students engage in sequential, mastery-based courses, supported by teachers, mentors, social workers, and special education services. Programs boast nearly 100% course pass rates, an average of 3.56 courses completed per year, and over 1,000 annual graduates.
Students across Michigan find a second chance through Berrien’s innovative programs, including Link Learning, West Michigan Virtual Academy, and Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan. These pathways are specifically designed for those who have stepped away from traditional education or face a high risk of doing so, providing a clear route to graduation regardless of where a student is on their journey or the personal circumstances they face. Each student enters a structure tailored to their community's needs, whether through the localized district partnerships of Link Learning, the intensive family support required for middle-level learners at West Michigan Virtual Academy, or the community-focused cyber charter model of Success Virtual Learning Centers.
The typical student arriving at these centers is often over the age of 17 and possesses only a fraction of the credits required for graduation. Because of this, the programs are built to be immediately responsive, greeting transient students at the exact moment they are motivated to re-engage with their education. To prevent learners from feeling overwhelmed, students focus on one course at a time. This sequential mastery allows them to pour their full energy into a single subject, celebrating frequent successes that build the momentum necessary to stay the course. For many who previously experienced a flat or declining academic trajectory, completing multiple courses per year represents a remarkable personal victory.
Success is anchored in a deep network of human connections. Most students visit a physical drop-in center at least once a week to collaborate with experienced online teachers and specialized support staff, including social workers and English Language Learner specialists. Every student is paired with a mentor who becomes a consistent presence in their life, checking in multiple times a week to discuss goals, academic progress, and personal well-being. These trusted relationships ensure that even when life creates barriers, the student is never navigating their education alone.
The high standards of the Berrien Springs brick-and-mortar experience extend to every alternative education student. Each learner develops a personalized Educational Development Plan and must demonstrate mastery of essential standards to move forward. This academic rigor is balanced by opportunities for personal growth and social connection. Centers offer diverse extra-curricular options such as e-Sports, 3D printing, and clubs for young parents, allowing students to explore their passions while they earn their diplomas.
When a student struggles, the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is triggered through the Pulse data platform. By analyzing specific data points, staff can identify exactly why a student’s progress has slowed and deploy a personalized strategy to help them recover. These interventions are as varied as the students themselves, sometimes requiring a technical fix like a computer exchange, and other times, a home visit or a mentor who is ready to listen. In this environment, the student is always the priority, and the system is designed to bend and adapt until they find their path to success.
The culture at Berrien Springs is built on the belief that a well-supported staff is the foundation of a well-supported student. This relationship begins with a unique approach to professional development that prioritizes both organizational excellence and the human element of education. Alternative education staff engage in approximately three hours of professional development each month, where the focus extends beyond academic metrics to include relationship-building and the practice of student-centric care. By incorporating concepts like love languages into their professional training, educators learn to connect with students on a personal level, ensuring every learner feels seen and valued.
Just as students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, Link Learning and Success VLC staff are empowered through a variety of professional growth avenues. Educators have the choice to earn micro-credentials and digital badges, allowing them to pursue specialized interests and receive recognition for their evolving expertise. Professional development is further personalized through monthly collaboration groups, where staff can engage in Mentor/Mentee pairings, Building Bridges initiatives, and the NEST program for new staff. This tiered support system ensures that every educator, from the newest hire to the veteran teacher, has the coaching and resources needed to excel in a student-centered environment.
Leadership capacity is fostered through intentional, personalized meetings between Regional and Executive Directors. These high-level conversations serve as a catalyst for change, challenging leaders to analyze data, address the specific psychological needs of their regions, and develop creative strategies for school improvement. By modeling this culture of goal-setting and reflection at the leadership level, the district ensures that every center remains focused on the mission of student achievement. This rigorous attention to quality assurance means that coaching is never one-size-fits-all, but is instead tailored to the specific strengths and needs of each staff member.
Recognizing that a student’s success is deeply connected to their support system at home, programs prioritize active parental engagement. For students under the age of 18, staff strive to connect with parents at least once a week, fostering a transparent and collaborative relationship. Parents are integrated into the learning process through the Edgenuity portal and Pulse communications, providing them with real-time insights into their child’s progress. Additionally, Parent Nights at the centers provide a space for families to learn about the program, celebrate successes together, and build a stronger community bond.
Berrien Springs Public Schools continues to grow because it grows with its students through flexibility, innovation, and a commitment to student-centered learning. Every program, pathway, and practice reflects the district’s mission to help every student reach their full potential, wherever their learning journey begins.