As a social worker I spend a lot of time going in and out of Detroit public schools. I see some…read morethings that really make the hair stand up on the back of my neck. And then, occassionally, I see a few gems. This school is one of those gems. UPA and University Prep High School both use project-based learning so that kids can really focus on the things that interest them. All students do regular internships which are supervised by a local field instructor and a teacher (they get school credit for the internship). This gives them a chance to refine their interests and get exposed to the work world. But, a few things to note. UPA is a bit overrated in terms of it's academic rigor. Although it is a world above most of the DPS schools I visit, not all graduates are going to be prepared to start at a mid-range or top tier university. I've seen kids advanced from grade to grade (particularly in math) who really don't have the basics down well enough. And, another important thing to remember about UPA is that their teaching approach does not work for all students. Some kids need a lot more structure and will flounder when given so much academic freedom and responsibility for their own education. Parents of UPA students need to stay in close contact with the teachers and review their student's work on a very regular basis. Overall, this is a great school. The campus is well laid out, the rooms are clean and things are in repair. There's not a lot of violence. The teachers and staff are very good at communicating with parents and they take a personal interest in their students.

I think its good for the city. Nice looking charter school. We went to take my god daughter b-day…read morecupcakes. You sign in and have to call to confirm. They require the kids to do an expedition project every month which is a good thing for kids to do in my opinion helps them to discover something new. You have to stand in a long line of cars just to pick up your kid but that's better than leting them run around and risk someone taking them. Great School Donate today!!!

My child loves math but she had missed some instruction during the school year and wanted to work…read moreon it over the summer. We bought math workbooks and a subscription to IXL to use during the summer. However, it became clear that having regular sessions and attention from a tutor was needed. Having me, her parent, as her tutor was . . . challenging for us both. Mathnasium seemed like something to try next. After the initial skills assessment, we decided to sign her up for the summer sessions. After a few sessions, it became clear that she was loving it. She enthusiastically attended each session this summer (20 one-hour sessions!), had a great time with the tutors, and learned quite a bit. She just completed her school's math placement assessment for the next school year. She definitely caught up on the missed instruction and then some! She is looking forward to continuing at Mathnasium this school year! Thank you!!

We have been so pleased with Mathnasium and their work with our daughter. On her recent NWEA…read morenational standardized test she exceeded the standard for her grade level and was in the 97th percentile. The teaching, support, enjoyment of math and encouragement she has received at Mathnasium is a major component in her success. Thanks Mathnasium for making math and learning fun for our child!

AAHCDC has earned 5 stars! This school has a wonderful program and thoughtful amazing teachers…read more Children learn and play as well as garden. They have wonderful music, art and Spanish programs for the children. I will be sending my second child soon. So happy here!

Our daughter has attended AAHCDC for two years now. It is a wonderful place with wonderful staff…read moreand we are very fortunate to have a school like this in our community. Every day AAHCDC creates a caring, nurturing, thoughtful, educational, creative, safe and fun environment for the children it serves. It understands what children are feeling and going through, and works with them and their families in wise and thoughtful and caring ways. Music, Spanish, art, reading, play, sensory table, outdoor activities, friendships and support. We couldn't imagine a better place.

We couldn't be happier with this school! The teachers and staff are outstanding--caring,…read moreprofessional, and devoted to every child's success. The academics are excellent and truly challenge students to do their best while offering support for those who need it. The two learning specialists are amazing and help diverse learners thrive. The school also emphasizes faith, virtues, and character in a loving, respectful environment.

It's ok. The education is wonderful but some of the teachers are mediocre. One of them even pushed…read moremy child into a table!

My child has attended Clon Lara for four years. This has been a very good experience. My son came…read moreto Clon Lara as a 9th grader. At the time he was experiencing a lack of motivation due to the death of a his father. He came into the school with a bit of an attitude about school. Initially, He was not motivated to apply himself. I did not understand the concept of Clon lara when I enrolled him, but after trusting my son and trusting Clon Lara, I am happy to say that he is graduating and has achieved more than I could have dreamed from his public school experience. Clon Lara is a blessing. It took more than the first year for me to truly understand the concept. Seeing the results of a balanced, motivated, confident young man who is working and ready to attend college, is what came out of this student led learning environment.

As a parent, I would not recommend this school…read more My special needs child attended for elementary school and they promised me a specialized program. In fact, they used it as a selling point. I did not get a special program, nor did other parents who were also promised the same. Some of those parents, were even asked for more tuition money once the school year started to "accommodate" their child. They nickle and dime you for every little thing and, unfortunately, you don't see the return on the money you are paying. Many updates/upkeep to the school have been through donations of time and money by parental volunteers. It appears, with low class sizes this school struggles to pay staff and maintain the building leaving no additional funds for necessary supplies and the professionals services which many of these children obviously need. The authoritarian way the school is ran ensures things are kept quiet. If you do speak up, prepare to have your child pay the price. It happens.

We've been at AACS for 6 years now, and we continue to be deeply grateful for the school and staff…read more They are able to foster a vibrant Christian atmosphere while at the same time provide a strong academic program. The teachers/staff are exceptional educators as well as mature, godly role models for our kids to emulate. There's a real spirit of unity amongst them, commitment to the Lord in their personal lives, and genuine love for the students. Over the years when different challenges or issues have arisen, I have been so impressed by how graciously and thoughtfully the staff are able to engage me as a parent. I also love how intentional they are about seeing the unique gifting and good in each child and work to affirm them. Can't say enough about what a wonderful environment it is at AACS!

Summers-Knoll is an amazing school focused on progressive education. The small teacher and faculty…read moreto student ratio (around 8:1 I think) enables SK to provide both my children with highly individualized learning experiences which the love. My daughter is entering 3rd grade and has been there since kindergarten and my son will be starting kindergarten this fall. My daughter has been counting down the days for summer to be over and school to "finally" start up again. I really like that during the school year, the kids are not bogged down with unnecessary piles of meaningless homework. Kids are encouraged to be kids. It's exactly the learning environment every child should have.

Summers-Knoll is a really outstanding independent school for gifted kids. It's presently K-5, which…read moreis why the old middle school location pops up in Yelp as closed. SK emphasizes small class sizes and learning through service, with lots of activities out in the community. A substantial fraction of the children receive scholarship support and the student population is very diverse. If you think your child would benefit from the sort of individualized attention offered here, you really should give them a call, regardless of your income. Their URL is missing from the profile. It's http://summers-knoll.org/ (an update: SK is re-establishing its middle school starting with the fall 2011 semester and plans to be moving into a new larger building nearby in the winter term - both signs of health and growth for this outstanding Ann Arbor institution!)

BKB is not your traditional high school. It's a charter school for youth who have been expelled…read morefrom school, have not been engaged in school and are failing, or have experiences with the juvenile justice system and have missed school. As a social worker I've had several students attend this campus and it worked well for each of them. Yes, some of the other students skip class or misbehave, but the students who want to learn have the benefit of working with teachers who really want them to succeed. The accelerated schedule also means that students can catch up on what they have missed, enabling some who wouldn't have been able to to graduate on time. They will accept students with IEPs and are well versed at working with kids who have both learning and behavioral issues.