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Frederick Douglass Academy for Young Men

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Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Frederick Douglass Academy Students Explore College Life at Grand Valley State University

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, forty-one eager scholars from Frederick Douglass Academy for Young Men set out on an unforgettable college exploration journey to Grand Valley State University. Led by Dr. Teresa Cowan, the group—made up of students from grades 9 through 12—departed the FDA campus promptly at 6:30 a.m., excited for a day filled with learning, discovery, and inspiration.

After arriving in Allendale, students were welcomed to campus with a dynamic conference session that introduced them to GVSU’s academic programs, student support services, and the wide array of opportunities available to future Lakers. They were especially engaged during discussions about college readiness, scholarships, and what it truly means to transition from high school to higher education.

A highlight of the trip came when students unexpectedly crossed paths with an FDA Class of 2025 alum, now a proud GVSU freshman. With enthusiasm and brotherhood, he took time out of his day to reconnect with the young Hurricanes and personally escorted several students to his dorm—giving them an authentic look at campus living. His excitement, pride, and firsthand experience offered invaluable perspective, showing students that their dreams are well within reach.

The day continued with a delicious lunch buffet, where students enjoyed great food and meaningful conversations, followed by team-building games and interactive activities hosted by GVSU student ambassadors. These moments allowed students to relax, laugh, and picture themselves as future college scholars.

By 4:00 p.m., the group had safely returned to the FDA campus—tired, energized, and full of new possibilities. The college tour not only opened their eyes to life beyond high school but also strengthened their motivation to work hard and pursue their goals. For many, the visit to Grand Valley State University was more than just a trip—it was a glimpse into their bright futures ahead.

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