The Principal's Corner - February 20, 2026

With Correy Black

Principal, The New Standard Academy

Dear Parents and Valued Stakeholders of The New Standard Academy,

As we continue to build something truly special at The New Standard Academy, our mission remains clear: to prepare our students not just for graduation, but for life beyond TNS, whether that path leads to a four-year university, a trade school, military service, entrepreneurship, or directly into the workforce. Every lesson, every expectation, and every standard we set is rooted in that commitment. I commend our faculty and staff for their amazing effort in pushing students to new, elevated goals. 

Preparation is not accidental. It requires intentionality, structure, and high expectations. At The New Standard Academy, excellence is not optional, it is the standard. We are deliberate in challenging our students academically because the world they are walking into will demand resilience, critical thinking, discipline, and perseverance. College coursework is rigorous. Trade professions require mastery and precision. Careers demand professionalism and accountability. Our responsibility is to ensure that our students are ready.

That readiness begins with responsibility. I demand accountability from our students each day; Accountability for their behavior, their effort, their attendance, and their academic performance. Subpar effort yields subpar results, and there is nothing about The New Standard Academy that aims to be subpar. WE IMPACT LIVES! We expect our students to rise to the occasion, to push past comfort, and to commit fully to their growth. I am proud to say that many of our students are doing exactly that. They are beginning to understand why the Academy is demanding. They are recognizing that structure is not restriction, it is preparation. High expectations are not pressure, they are belief. And increasingly, our students are rising to meet and exceed those expectations.

However, excellence is a partnership. Parents and guardians, your role is essential. Monitoring homework, ensuring assignments are completed, maintaining consistent communication with teachers, and reinforcing academic discipline at home are critical components of student success. When students understand that school and home are aligned in expectations, achievement increases. We cannot do this work alone, and neither can you. Together, we create the environment our children need to thrive.

Beyond academics, we are focused on raising our students’ social capital. Exposure matters. Networks matter. Confidence matters. We are striving to create amazing and highly successful young people who can walk into any room, on a college campus, at a job interview, in a professional setting to compete, contribute, and lead. That requires not only academic knowledge but also character, communication skills, discipline, and integrity. Our culture continues to evolve into a true learning community grounded in a strong commitment to growth, scholarship, and mutual respect.

As we approach testing season, attendance becomes even more critical. Every instructional day matters. Each lesson builds upon the next. Gaps in attendance create gaps in understanding. I am asking for your full support in ensuring that students are present and on time each day unless there is a true emergency. Consistent attendance strengthens individual performance and contributes to the collective success of our entire school community.

The New Standard Academy is not simply a school; it is a movement toward excellence. Our culture is transforming daily into one defined by scholarship, responsibility, and high achievement. We are building students who understand that success is earned through effort. We are building young men and women who refuse to settle for average. And we are building a community where learning is not just expected; It is valued and celebrated. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and belief in our mission. Together, we will continue raising the standard, for every student, every family, and every future we touch.

With determination,

Correy Black, MPH, ES
Principal
The New Standard Academy

“Serving the city of Flint with a higher standard in academic excellence and community wellness.”