In the fall of 1997, a new kind of public high school opened on the grounds of The Henry Ford – a National Historic Landmark founded by Henry Ford. This innovative school – Henry Ford Academy – became the nation's first charter school created jointly by a global corporation, public education and a major nonprofit cultural institution. Henry Ford Academy was developed through the partnership of Ford Motor Company Fund, The Henry Ford and the Wayne County Regional Service Agency.
The first classrooms were housed in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. 
Classrooms were later renovated with the latest technology thanks to a $6 million grant from Ford Motor Company Fund.
Students are selected by lottery for the 140 seats available for each freshmen class. The majority of students come from the nearby city of Detroit and represent diverse backgrounds. The student body is predominantly African American, but includes Arab American, Latino and Caucasian students.
"Our charter stipulates that our metrics be higher than their home school district," said Rick Enright, assistant principal, Henry Ford Academy. "Today our attendance and graduation rate average about 95%, and 100% of our graduates are accepted into college. Our graduates are enrolled at Michigan State University, Arizona State, Kentucky State, the University of Michigan and other top schools around the country."
Over the years, Ford Fund has provided an additional $4 million in support as the program evolved. Teachers and students at Henry Ford Academy follow a project based curriculum that shares the essential elements of Ford's Partnership for Advanced Studies (PAS). Also during each semester students engage in a design challenge that encompasses multiple disciplines throughout the grade levels.
"The focus is on real-world learning and problem solving," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. "Students often work together in teams, much like a true business environment."
"Students, many from homes of very limited means, leave here fully prepared to continue their education and career development at a level equivalent to public and private schools," said Enright. "Ford Fund has been instrumental in helping us prepare students for success in the 21st century."
