Cole Academy is Lansing's longest-standing charter school in the state of Michigan and received a charter through Central Michigan University in 1995. The Academy originated as an Early Childhood Center and over the years, gradually became a K-6 Public School. 

There have been some recent changes at Cole Academy for the  2011-2012 school year. 

• The new Principal/Superintendent, Brian Shaughnessy, began in August 2011.
• The "Reading Steet" reading program began at Cole early in September, 2011.  "Reading Street" is currently the program of choice for Haslett, East Lansing, and Okemos school districts.   Combining a foundation of current, research-based, balanced literacy objectives (using Literacy Lifeline consultants) and "Reading Street"; is a one-two punch that is expected to "raise the bar" for student achievement.
• Dr. Theron Blakeslee(MSU and the ISD) will also be at Cole throughout the school year to work on a constructivist approach to teaching mathematics, using manipulatives.
• Cole Academy is working in conjunction with Okemos Public Schools providing new dining services.  This streamlined approach to servicing the needs of our students with an affordable hot lunch program has been received with positive reviews and accolades.  The students are satisfied with the meals and the point-of-use system of payment through LunchTime (using a computer) has made lunch less hectic for all involved.  
• Polyvision Interactive Whiteboards:  All classrooms will be equipped with Polyvision Interactive Whiteboards.  Currently 5 out of the 7 classrooms have them up and running with the last 2 classrooms being outfitted within a few weeks! This is an exciting teaching tool that will "revolutionize" the classroom. Teachers have a number of days ahead for Professional Development and implementing this new device.  Some have already begun using them. We are all excited and you should be too. Not many schools in the state of Michigan can brag about Interactive Whiteboards in every classroom!
• New and Improved Curriculum(s) in place: Art, PE and Health have all undergone major changes and renovations to be up-to-speed with the State of Michigan Common Core Standards and Grade Level Content Expectations.