Copper Island Academy has officially started construction on a new high school facility, marking a significant expansion for the charter school. The project, valued at $6.5 million, will create a 19,000-square-foot building designed to provide career-focused education for students in the region.
The new campus is scheduled to open for the 2026-2027 school year and will emphasize hands-on learning pathways in skilled trades and healthcare. Moyle Construction has been selected to manage the project, bringing their expertise in both commercial building and educational partnerships to the site.
Key Takeaways
- Copper Island Academy is building a new high school set to open for the 2026-27 academic year.
- The project represents a $6.5 million investment and will result in a 19,000-square-foot facility.
- The curriculum will focus on career pathways, including nursing and construction trades, with an option for students to earn an associate degree.
- The project is a collaboration with Moyle Construction, a firm known for its work with local technical education programs.
A Major Expansion for a Growing School
Copper Island Academy, which first opened its doors in 2021 with an elementary and middle school, is continuing its rapid growth. The groundbreaking for the new high school follows the recent construction of a separate gymnasium for its physical education programs.
The decision to expand was driven by strong student interest. According to Matt Laho, the academy's Director of Operations and Instruction, the enthusiasm of current students was a key factor in accelerating the high school's launch.
"Some of our previous students had overheard us talking to last year’s eighth grade, this year’s ninth, about the potential of a high school. And they actually went out and did all the work they needed to help become a part of the school this year. So we launched with a 9/10 instead of just a ninth grade because all the work they put in."
– Matt Laho, Director of Operations and Instruction, Copper Island Academy
Project by the Numbers
- Investment: $6.5 million
- Size: 19,000 square feet
- Opening: 2026-2027 academic year
- Builder: Moyle Construction
The new building will be constructed entirely by Moyle Construction, a local firm with a strong presence in the community. The facility is designed to support the academy's unique educational model, with specialized classrooms and workshops.
Focus on Career-Ready Pathways
A central feature of the new high school will be its career-oriented curriculum. The academy is implementing a pathway model, allowing students to concentrate their studies in specific high-demand fields.
Initial pathways will include nursing and various skilled trades, such as construction. This approach provides students with practical skills and a direct line of sight to future employment opportunities within the community.
What is a Pathway Model?
An educational pathway model provides students with a structured sequence of courses and real-world experiences in a specific industry sector. The goal is to prepare them for college and careers simultaneously, often leading to industry certifications or college credits upon high school graduation.
Laho explained that the program is designed for long-term success, offering students a significant head start in their post-secondary education or careers.
"With the high school here, we’re going to have a lot of hands-on instruction, and it’s more of a pathway model. So, students will choose whether they want to enter into a skilled trades pathway, a nursing pathway, and so on. And all of our pathways at the end of it, if they do the fifth year, could have an associate degree when they walk out of here."
– Matt Laho, Director of Operations and Instruction, Copper Island Academy
This fifth-year option provides a unique opportunity for students to complete a two-year college degree while still in the high school environment, reducing the time and cost associated with higher education.
Building a Future Workforce with Industry Partners
The partnership between Copper Island Academy and Moyle Construction extends beyond just building the new school. Moyle Construction is deeply involved in local workforce development and collaborates closely with the Copper Country Intermediate School District's (CCISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
For example, in May, the company assisted CTE students in completing the construction of a new home in Houghton, providing invaluable hands-on experience. Andy Moyle, President of Moyle Construction, emphasized that programs like these are essential for introducing young people to potential careers.
He noted that there is already significant interest among current students for the new programs.
"Copper Island Academy for example, there’s already 10 10th graders that are very interested in the skilled trades for building trades. We also have another 10 10th graders that are interested in welding and manufacturing. So, this is all right into what our community needs and what these kids want to do."
– Andy Moyle, President, Moyle Construction
Moyle believes that creating these opportunities at the middle and high school levels is critical for the region's economy. "We need it in our middle schools or high schools," he stated, highlighting the importance of programs that allow students to focus on trade skills.
A Unique Educational Philosophy
Copper Island Academy is known for an educational approach that incorporates elements from Finland’s renowned education system. This model emphasizes more breaks, outdoor instruction, and hands-on, project-based learning.
The school's philosophy is centered on creating an environment where students can thrive by engaging with their learning in a more active and practical way. The new high school's design and curriculum are a direct extension of this philosophy, aiming to foster both academic knowledge and real-world competence.
By combining this innovative teaching style with career-focused pathways, the academy aims to prepare students not just for tests, but for successful and fulfilling careers that meet the needs of the local community.