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!!!

I really wasn't supposed to come to Hally Magnet Middle School, but after spending one day at…read moreBeaubien Middle School I knew I had to get out. So after a discussion with the principal, I was able to get into the school the next day. This is one of a few schools in Detroit that you have to take a test to get into, and focuses only on supporting those children who WANT to get an education and learn. I had a great time here, although I only spent two years here instead of three (as most kids did). The teachers were tough and demanding, and it showed in the test scores and exemplary work the students did. Class sizes were small and accommodating, and I left here with a lot of close friends that also went to Renaissance High School and University of Michigan.