The Flint Cultural Center Academy high school is currently located in downtown Flint in the Northbank Center — which is owned by the University of Michigan-Flint — through a temporary arrangement while the school expands its program and plans for a permanent facility.
“We wanted to be located in downtown Flint, in the center of everything, close to the Farmer’s Market and on a college campus to promote a college-going atmosphere,” Jeffrey Martinez, the FCCA Director of Innovative Pathways for Secondary School, said.
In 2024, the FCCA entered into a three-year lease with UM-Flint, and the high school was placed in the Northbank Center, starting with ninth grade. Tenth grade was then implemented in 2025 and eleventh grade in 2026. Twelfth graders will start in fall 2026.
FCCA’s partnership with UM-Flint provides students access to campus spaces and academic exposure. Students participate in visits to university departments, including health-related and business programs, and some are enrolled in dual enrollment courses that offer college credits.
“The biggest benefit is getting students to see themselves as future college students,” Martinez said. “They are exposed to different colleges within the university, including nursing, health and management programs.
According to one student, they enjoy being on a college campus and the ability to take college courses while attending high school. “I like being a part of the college campus, we have access to the gym and even the pavilion and UCEN to eat,” Demari, a sophomore at FCCA, said. “The best part is being allowed to take college classes while in high school.”
The North Bank Center location is not intended to be permanent, and planning for a dedicated high school building is ongoing.
“It is meant to be temporary while we finalize plans for a permanent building,” Martinez said. “There is no set timeline, but it is a top priority and something being worked on diligently.”
As the program expands, FCCA is increasing staffing, course offerings and student capacity. Enrollment currently stands at 100 students, with a long-term capacity goal of 300.
“We started with five teachers and are expanding to more staff, including additional teachers, a counselor and support personnel,” Martinez said. “We are also growing athletics, electives and academic programs.”
New offerings include expanded physical education, additional classes through community partnerships and multiple varsity sports programs. A robotics team has also been introduced as part of program growth.
With twelfth graders starting in the fall of 2026, the FCCA plans to accommodate the new first-year twelfth graders by securing additional space on the university campus if needed.
“We are working with university leadership to find additional space for future grade levels,” Martiez said. “The goal is to remain close and continue operating within the campus environment.”
The long-term goals for the high school include both college preparatory and career-focused pathways.
“Our vision is to clear the path for connections, contributions, courage and curiosity so that our students can engage in exploratory learning, developing college and/or career aspirations.” Eric Lieske, CEO and Superintendent of FCCA, said.
