Noorthoek Academy

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Noorthoek Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a college education program in the arts and sciences for students with mental impairments. The Academy serves as a new beginning for these individuals, filling their lives with friendship, stimulation, and a renewed sense of purpose. Noorthoek Academy participants grow and blossom as a result of this outstanding program that is made possible through a partnership with GRCC. Founded in 1989, the Academy is named after Joseph Noorthoek, a former board member with the Grand Rapids Public Schools. During his service Noorthoek provided exceptional leadership, patience, and understanding. Noorthoek Academy is specifically geared to the needs of educable, mentally-impaired (EMI) individuals, who earn nationally recognized continuing education units (CEUs) – one credit for each semester completed. Because the curriculum changes every year,students may attend for as many semesters as they like. Four classes are offered to meet community demand for the program. Two additional staff members, Merrilie Benthin and Carla Mercer, have been added and students from GRCC volunteer. To attend, individuals must be 18 years or older and must have successfully completed four years of high school. Selection for admission is made according to general guidelines – such as the ability to benefit from the curriculum – with a prerequisite of maturity, motivation, and socially acceptable behavior.

Noorthoek Academy: The Academy’s curriculum is designed to expand students’ understanding of the world around them. A survey approach includes exploration of the natural sciences, history, literature, drama, music, current events, creative writing, and much more. Classes are dynamic – often using guest presenters from the community – and are geared to the level of educable mentally impaired (EMI) students. There are many hands-on projects and opportunities for self-expression. Students are able to reinforce what they learn in the classroom by visiting community resources such as museums, theaters, libraries, the nature center, and planetarium. For example, last summer there was a VanGogh exhibit in Detroit and the students studied art and visited the show. For the Winter 2002 semester the students asked to study Africa. The unit will concentrate on culture, the music and dance, and African textiles and animals. And this summer they may study Australia, so they are searching the area for any one to speak to the class about the country and culture; or for instance some one who can play the Didgeridoo, an Aboriginal musical instrument. “We are always looking to involve students in the community and involve the community with our students,” says Academy Director Kathleen Russell. Noorthoek is the first program of its kind in the country founded as a 501(c) (3) organization. Because of the Academy’s partnership with GRCC, they are able to operate with a very modest budget. However, Russell explains, tuition income covers only one-third of expenses, “so we rely on contributions from foundations, corporations, service clubs, and individuals to keep this remarkable program going.” For more information or to make a donation to the Noorthoek Academy, please call Kathleen Russell at (616) 248-0346.