Designed to serve as a model for educational reform, we started Henry Ford Academy to prepare students to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The school's rigorous academic curriculum incorporates hands-on activities, interaction with professionals in the community, and teamwork.
Henry Ford Academy is the nation's first charter school developed jointly by a major corporation, public education and a nonprofit cultural institution. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, the school has been in operation for 10 years.
Curriculum
Henry Ford Academy's college preparatory curriculum prepares students to compete and succeed in a global economy. Based on the five developmental areas (academic content, technology, communication, thinking and learning, and personal development), the curriculum provides authentic hands-on learning experiences in many diverse learning environments.
The curriculum links students and teachers with information, mentors, scholars and peers throughout the world. Business and community partnerships provide unique and relevant resources that facilitate and expand the classroom experience.
Teachers at Henry Ford Academy are fully accredited, experienced professionals dedicated to helping all students reach their full potential in core subjects and a broad range of electives. Certified physical education and special education instructors are on staff, as are student counselors. The staff also includes several part-time staff members who work with teachers and administrative staff to enhance the curriculum.
Connecting Students and Professionals
Ford contributes substantial input to Henry Ford Academy, but the true power of the school lies in the direct, hands-on involvement of more than 400 individual Ford employees who serve as tutors, mentors, lecturers, curriculum advisors, student project sponsors, project partners and coaches for thousands of hours each year. Ford volunteers serve all 390 students and their families, as well as the 32 Henry Ford Academy teachers, administrators and support staff.
In addition, as Henry Ford Academy's host institution, The Henry Ford provides students with a truly "public" high school experience that has a tremendous impact on their personal and academic development. The students' presence on the Ford Motor Company campus exposes them to a much broader spectrum of people than they would encounter in a traditional, stand-alone high school. Students are frequently called upon to provide assistance to visitors, collaborate with museum staff on joint events and serve as unofficial ambassadors of the organization.
More Information
For more information, visit the Henry Ford Academy website.