Ask the principal about the Carver Learning Community and he’ll tell you it’s ‘The Smart Choice For Smart Kids.’ He can back it up with proof. Carver students are making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The school has also been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Skillman Foundation’s Good Schools: Making the Grade Initiative. The money will be used to improve the school with a new media lab that will feature wireless technology plus Carver is in the running for another Good Schools Grant.

‘Smart’ is the word the Carver learning community lives by. For them, it’s the place to be because the children are taught in a loving, nurturing, and safe school environment which enhances learning. The student population is diverse, so while the children learn their math, language skills, science and social studies, they also learn about other cultures and how acceptance is universal. That helps them to become more well-rounded individuals. Carver also offers a dedicated bilingual program.

To further enhance the efforts to produce Smart children, Carver offers services at the school that help the teaching process such as Social Work, speech and language pathology sessions and an on-site psychologist. Add challenging extra curricular activities such as the Chess Club, The World in Motion/Engineering Society of Detroit, Girl Scouts, corrective reading, and instrumental music that help round out the students academically and add to their overall development. If parents are in need, the school can put them in touch with several services such as legal assistance and the Judson Family Development Center. At Carver, their Smart parents also get involved in the children’s learning activities and get tips from the school to help them become a more active participant in the education of their child.

Partners from the community also contribute to the success of Carver students by providing them with enriching experiences that add to the core learning and help them to think about their future education. All of these contribute to student achievement and progress.

At Carver, the focus is on helping children to succeed and prosper in life. The daily goal is to use every tool available to help students improve their academic performance and use their brains to become the smart student they can be. Give us a call so that your child can become a Carver Learning Community Smart Kid!!

OUR MISSION…”The Carver PK-8 Learning Community believes in continual improvement of all its stakeholders while developing individual learners.”

Historical Note: George Washington Carver was a noted African American scientist who was best known for developing useful products from peanuts.

Detroit’s Central High School has one of the longest histories (150 years) of any Detroit Public School because it was the first Detroit High School. It was established in 1858 with 23 students in a building on Miami Ave. By 1863 the increasing number of students had outgrown the building so the school was moved to the former State Capitol Building (yes, Detroit was the Capitol of Mich.-The seat was moved to Lansing in 1847) and was renamed Capitol High. The school earned its accreditation from the University of Michigan in 1871. In 1893, disaster struck and the school was destroyed by fire. It was moved temporarily to the Biddle House on East Jefferson, then to the new building on Cass and Warren in 1896 (yes that building is the current Wayne State University Administration building) and named Central High. Eventually the student population outgrew that building and in 1926 the school was moved to a new building at Tuxedo and LaSalle Boulevard, its current home.

But that was the Central of yesterday. Today, the school houses an active and thriving population of students despite the challenges presented by the surrounding area. The students can pursue the traditional college prep course of study that includes the highly acclaimed Integrated Carnegie Algebra and Geometry course of study. If they choose to they can spice up academic pursuits with involvement in:

• Local, State and National DECA (Distributive Educational Clubs of America) and BPA (Business Professionals of America)
• Robotics competition
• Fine Arts – Such as participation in the Cartunes project (see photo, car was purchased for charity); participation in the ‘You Make A Difference,’ GM/College For Creative Studies program focusing on automotive art
• Publishing Poetry …’Lyrical Dexterity’…in the English department – Several editions.
• Band – marched in the America’s Thanksgiving Day, St. Patty’s Day and the Broad Street Parades
• The Detroit Area Pre College Engineering Program (DAPCEP)
• Student Council and Michigan Youth In Government
• Community Service for Motor City Makeover, Thanksgiving Baskets and more.

Because Central students are DPS, they have rare opportunities to learn on many levels because of community entities that have formed partnerships with the school such as:

• The Wayne County Community College dual enrollment program
• The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Retreats
• Marygrove’s Urban Agenda project that helps students make positive changes in their school environment
• Wayne State Higher Education Opportunities (HEOC) that recruits students for college, placing 75-80%
• Alumni Career Week exposure to numerous careers.

If your child is a sports lover, there’s opportunity at Central in Class A competition for girls and/or boys in baseball, softball, tennis, swimming, basketball, cross country, football. In golf, the girls’ teams won 7 straight championships in a row through 2008. A well balanced education in an environment that is filled with the pioneering heritage of the school. Central is the place where your child can blaze a trail to a successful future.

Central High School

Student Shardai Granger touching up a Cartune that was auctioned off for charity.

Michigan Round Table for Diversity and Inclusion

Art Club members with their community service project of a spruced up front desk at the Detroit Police Department’s Western District station.

Art Club members with their community service project of a spruced up front desk at the Detroit Police Department’s Western District station.

17525 Wyoming Street

Anthony Houston, Principal

416-7064

At Mumford High School all students are given the opportunity to learn and excel. The school has produced a number of successful graduates including movie and television producer Jerry Bruckheimer, gospel recording artists Fred Hammond, The Winans, The Clark Sisters, and many, many others. The bar to succeed has been set high and each year Mumford students continue to raise the standards of what it means to be a Mumford graduate.

Named for Samuel C. Mumford, a Detroit Edison treasurer who served on the Detroit Board of Education for 22 years and elected president 3 times, Mumford produces students who put forth their best effort when it comes to academics. Students take full advantage of the advance placement courses, honors programs, merit curriculum, and the schools smaller learning communities. In addition computer labs, reading classes and foreign language courses are offered to help provide students with an extra academic edge. All students are both college and career prep which helps prepare them to enter the world equipped and ready after graduation. Average attendance rates show that 93% of students show up for class everyday which means they are excited and ready to learn!

Mumford High School also has one of the top vocal and instrumental music programs in the State and students can participate in the science Olympiad, robotics team, peer tutoring, track and field, softball, baseball, basketball, football, tennis, volleyball and soccer. Clubs such as Men in Transition and Sister Girlfriend are also open students.

The school continues to undergo improves to meet the needs of the changing community and remains a leader when it comes to adapting to meet the needs of the students. Mumford was the first Metro-Detroit high school to offer a state-of-the-art Technology Center for students, the pioneer high school for the Channel 1 national presentation of news focused on youth, and the first Compact High School in the state ”creating a positive alliance between business, higher education, organized labor and the school.” 

The Mumford Mustangs have received numerous awards for their academic achievements and continue to be productive and successful members in the community.

Bennie Glenn, Principal

2001 Labelle Street

852-1500

At Glazer Elementary School, student achievement is of most importance.  Principal Bennie Glenn and the highly qualified teaching staff know that education is the key to their students’ future success. The Glazer staff knows that by working hand in hand with their community partners and parents, they will “ensure productive citizens in a global society.”

Glazer Elementary was recognized as a Leadership School by Schools of the 21st Century and was also awarded a $100,000 Skillman Improvement Grant, the highest award among six elementary schools included in the 2007 High Performing category out of 300 Detroit elementary schools. The grant helped to fund several programs including a GED certificate program and the purchase of computers to “assist parents of Glazer students who have not completed high school.”

Core academics are top priority at Glazer but students are welcome to participate in extra-curricular activities such as Chess Club, Choir, Art Enrichment Program, Academic Games, After School Tutorial and Art Club, and more. Students are also welcome to participate in the school’s safety patrol, sports program, and Technology and IT Classes.

Throughout the year Glazer holds several events for students and their families to celebrate and showcase the accomplishments of students such as Family Math Night, Computer Club, Annual Field Day, Science and Art Fairs, as well as several others. All these events add to the atmosphere at Glazer and the family feeling the staff creates for students each and every day.

Beverly Green, Principal

17045 Grand River

852-1066

When children begin attending Edison Elementary, they soon learn that a lot is expected of them. The staff and teachers are there to help them to develop their academic, social, creative and physical abilities and to teach them the value of working hard in classes and at anything in life.

The school boasts a clean and safe environment for students along with established supportive relationships with the community and parents, a balance that contributes to the school’s success.

At Edison, the ‘whole child’ approach ensures that the individual student’s needs are met. Children have a variety of academic and other avenues to learning to explore. Along with the core academics, there is Accelerated Reading and Math, after school enrichment, the Mobile Dentist and a school nurse, visual arts, vocal music, creative writing, computer access in every classroom and physical education. They also have a special Saturday Kiddie College that offers foreign language, chess, Young Explorers Club, modern dance and ballet from 9 a.m. to noon. It’s funded by the Skillman Foundation.

Good character and self esteem are companions of academic achievement so the school offers conflict resolution, social work, speech and psychological services, Junior Achievement, the Amazing Me Program, Big Brother/Big Sister, DIA Arts, and the Parents’ Institute where parents can learn tips for helping their children with their school work. Students can also join the Academic Games team and the Safety Patrol.

Collectively, what Edison has to offer is a plus for students. The school is a Skillman Foundation Good Schools Grant Winner and has won the Michigan Golden Apple honor five times and State  Sen. Buzz Thomas’ honor roll…

There is a place waiting for your child at Edison Elementary…a community school.

Jeannette Collins, Principal

2701 Fenkell Street

494-8100

Robeson Academy students at an Academic Games competition.

Paul Robeson Academy is one of Detroit Public Schools premiere learning institutions. It is a school of choice meaning that students enrolling in the school have to have at least a  2.5 GPA, good citizenship and parents must pledge their support and participation to the school. At Robeson Academy, academics are taken very seriously and Principal Jeannette Collins and her staff of highly qualified educators say that “ensuring that all students achieve to their maximum potential is Robeson Academy’s primary goal.”

Named in honor of the influential African-American singer, actor and social activist, students at Robeson Academy are challenged each and every day to learn and achieve. The staff provides students the tools they need to succeed, and the students do just that. Robeson Academy students have been recognized with numerous awards for their academic achievement and the school continues to offer challenging curriculum to students who readily take on the challenge.

Students are invited to participate in Academic Games, AP classes, Foreign Language Courses, Technology and IT classes, and more. Robeson Academy staff believes in developing well rounded individuals so students are also encouraged to explore their interest through the schools sports programs, choir, music, band, drama and dance! Computer labs and after school tutoring sessions are also open to students to aid in the process of learning.

Paul Robeson Academy believes the key to increasing academic achievement is by building a strong partnership between teachers, dedicated parents and strong community involvement. The continued success of Robeson Academy students is proof that the school’s philosophy is being achieved.

Karen White, Principal

2400 Central Street

849-3492

The goal at Harms Elementary is to prepare students for the future by engaging them in academic activities that will enrich their time of learning while as students at the school. Harms Elementary has achieved the status of being recognized as a premier Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math school. This has allowed the dedicated staff and principal Karen White,  to provide “an outstanding learning environment where MEAP scores are at or above state levels.”

Harms Elementary continues to meet AYP each year and is unique in that it offers bilingual classrooms at every grade level PreK-Grade 5. This not only ensures those who speak English as a second language are learning, but it also teaches all students about different cultures and languages helping to prepare them for a diverse world.

All of the core academic staff is rated as highly qualified and the school has received national recognition for their after school program. It’s rooted in academics but also offers recreational activities for students. Computers with internet access are available for use in each classroom and students are encouraged to participate in activities such as Academic Games, the schools Bilingual Program, Chess Club, Art Classes, Girl Scouts, Safety Patrol and more.  Harms also welcomes parental involvement by having a Harms Parent and Community Club and hosting a list of annual programs for the family such as Open Houses and a school camping trip.

Harms Elementary works hard to build quality partnerships with the community in which they serve. Partnering with organizations such as Communities in Schools and the Toyota Family Literacy Program has proven to be very beneficial for all involved. Having been recognized with a state of Michigan Golden Apple Award and as a Skillman Foundation Good School, Harms Elementary is dedicated to laying a quality foundation of learning that students will continue to build upon as they continue in their educational endeavors.

Dr. Ethel Jones, Principal

19725 Strasburg Street

866-7022

Pulaski Elementary/Middle School is a K-8 school with a clear vision and mission. The vision of the Casmir Pulaski Elementary/Middle School staff is that Pulaski school be a driving force in academic performance, focusing on data-driven strategies to ensure student achievement.  The staff at Pulaski believe the school will continue to become the preferred choice of residents and eligible non-residents. The mission of the Casmire Pulaski Elementary/Middle School staff, community and student body is to create a learning environment that provides every student the equal opportunity to achieve their individual potential.

The educational process takes place in a clean, safe, and healthy facility.  The school’s mission is being achieved through the cohesiveness of the administration, staff, parents, students and community. They value children as individuals within the community of the school. Principal Dr. Ethel Jones says she has hard working teachers, supportive parents, and great students. In return, the students feel the staff is genuinely interested in them resulting in high student self esteem. Pulaski offers three tutoring programs to build academic skills, social skills, and provide arts education.

The staff, student body and community at Pulaski is multicultural with African-American, Caucasian, Latino, Asian, and American Indian all represented. Because the student body reflects the community, Pulaski is able to draw on the community to provide support and additional help for students. Pulaski works with organizations such as AAA of Michigan, Learning Gizmos, the Detroit Community Initiative, and the Detroit News and Free Press.  Pulaski has met or exceeded the MEAP targets with an increase in test scores over the 2005-2006 school year. The school has received countless awards and recognition for student achievement and academic success.

Pulaski students take pride in their school and it shows! You can visit Pulaski’s website at www.dpspulaski.org.

Theresa Matthews, Principal

10633 Courville Street

866-0400

Wayne Elementary has a proven record of excellence. They are recognized as a Skillman Good School and have a 100% highly qualified core academic staff. They also have several teachers who are candidates for National Board Certification.  Wayne Elementary has received the State of Michigan Golden Apple School Award, and numerous staff members have receivied recognition for their dedication to students.  Wayne Elementary takes the responsibility for educating children very seriously. Ensuring that all students achieve to their maximum potential is Wayne Elementary’s primary goal.

Named after General Anthony Wayne, an American Revolutionary hero, Wayne Elementary believes they can accelerate learning for all students using research-based strategies. The school works collaboratively with the many community partnerships they’ve built with organizations such as Gleaners Food Bank, Lens Crafters, Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, Detroit Free Press, Pizza Hut and many more. Wayne Elementary Principal Theresa Matthews knows that with community help, students will have even a greater chance of success.

Wayne Elementary offers students the opportunity to participate in programs such as Science Fairs, National Jumpstart-Pre K-2, Technology Lab, Super Saturday Tutorials, National Elementary Honor Society, Chess, Instrumental Music and Choir, Family Literacy Night, and much, much more! These activities along with the core curriculum help mold students into excellent learners’ who enjoy school and puts them on a path for success.

The staff at Wayne Elementary feel that the school is “a home away from home and a great school for all students.” They strive to successfully utilize all their resources to accomplish all their goals and make sure that no student is left behind and all have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Belinda Raines, Principal

2200 W. Grand Blvd

596-0700

At Northwestern High School, the staff knows the importance of preparing students for the future. Each day, the nearly 100% highly qualified teaching staff guide students through core academics in order to prepare them to enter the world beyond high school. Realizing that not all students will go on to college, students are encouraged to take advantage of the College Prep and Career Prep courses the school has to offer. Northwestern is a school of choice and with unique programs and courses designed to meet the needs of all students, those who attend feel they’ve made the right choice.

Northwestern High School is home to the District’s only planetarium. It has become a resource site for science and math, and is the original site for the Science Connection program. Northwestern is also the home of the Detroit Public School Technology Center.  Incoming freshman are enrolled in Northwestern’s ‘school-within-a-school’ program in which they are placed in smaller learning communities. This program helps students adjust to high school life and also gives teachers and staff the opportunity to work more closely with the students.

 All students are welcome to participate in programs such as

• Concert, Marching or Jazz band
• Dance Legacy Performers
• Title 1 after school tutoring program
• science library
• Latin, French or Spanish language classes
• Military Academy
• And more!

In addition, the school offers a total of 9 advanced placement courses, four computer labs, two libraries, and has been the recipient of several awards from the Skillman Foundation.

Northwestern High School was chosen to pilot the ‘Success Project,’ which is a program initiated by a partnership of ”Northwestern Alumni with the Michigan Labor Constituency Council, the UAW, International Union, New Detroit Incorporated and the Rainbow/PUSH coalition.” This is a 5 year program that will help identify the specific educational and structural needs at Northwestern.  Those involved say this program is a step towards in helping all DPS students learn in a safe, clean learning environment with the best curriculum and instructors the state has to offer.