Our Academics & Electives

We draw upon the expertise of our educators and work together to create models of outstanding achievement in every classroom. Through implementing high-quality instructional materials and transforming the academic culture in our schools, we challenge and inspire our students to thrive in the world. With a wide variety of academic and enrichment opportunities aligned with state standards, we support students in unlocking their potential as they extend their skills and talents beyond the classroom. Our core curriculum includes:

Bilingual Education - We are committed to English Language Development for students beginning in early childhood by implementing English literacy instructional frameworks that prepare families to become independent readers and writers in English.

English Language Arts - We are committed to nurturing and developing a strong literacy foundation for all students in the early school years by implementing literacy instructional frameworks that prepare students to become independent readers and writers.

Math - The mathematics curriculum seeks to ensure mathematical competence and confidence in students in mathematics-rich classroom environments.

Science - Classroom experiences in science are connected to real-world phenomena and provide opportunities to engage in science and engineering practices through exposure to STEM-related career pathways.

Social Studies - Students gain the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and core democratic values necessary for fulfilling their civic duties in a participatory democracy and effectively engaging in our global society.

modEL Detroit

Students will engage through real world content, rigorous instruction and interactive learning opportunities. The goal of the program is by the end of second grade, students are able to independently read and comprehend grade level text and continue to master complex literacy skills. The program focuses on three student centered literacy goals. In order to address the key focal areas, the curriculum incorporates two or three hours of literacy instructional per day based on grade level. This is achieved through all block instructional times, interactive technology modules, and authentic, hands-on instructional and application lessons. For more information, please visit the DPSCD EL Curriculum Page.

Eureka Math

Students will shift from just finding the answers to actually understanding the why and how behind the mathematic processes. Eureka Math uses sequenced modules to help students achieve a deeper understanding of concepts while developing strong critical thinking skills. The program is a Common-Core aligned curriculum that helps students build upon their skills, provides real word stories and application lessons, and encourages mental strategies to problem solve. Grade level clusters have key focus areas and each grade level has specific modules of engagement. For more information, please visit the DPSCD Math Curriculum Page.

Next Generation Science

Students will be provided the opportunities to predict, question, test, investigate, and draw scientific conclusions. All instructional units are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and foster collaboration and engineering practice. Grades K-2 implement the online Mystery Science program to provide hands-on inquiries and explorations connected to real-world concepts. Grades 3-5 utilize the Create for STEM program to expose students to critical thinking and engineering skills related to STEM based learning.

Detroit History Curriculum

Students will experience social studies in a new way through the delivery of this curriculum: it will be relevant, interactive, and promote curiosity and critical thinking. Each unit is designed to take one to two weeks of instruction. students develop an understanding of the rich, complex city we live in.

K- Detroit Past Present & Future

1st- Detroit Family Life: Then and Now

2nd- History of Detroit Neighborhoods

3rd- The History of Early Detroit

4th- The People of Detroit

5th- Untold Stories of Early Detroit

Creative Curriculum

Students will participate in exploration and discovery as part of their daily interactions. Research shows that a whole-child approach to education—one where children develop not only math and literacy skills but also social–emotional, physical, and cognitive skills—is developmentally appropriate and better prepares children for life well beyond their time in a classroom. The Creative Curriculum focuses on project-based investigations as a means for children to apply skills. It addresses four areas of development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. The curriculum is designed to foster development of the whole child through teacher-led small and large group activities centered around 11 interest areas (blocks, dramatic play, toys and games, art, library, discovery, sand and water, music and movement, cooking, computers, and outdoors).
Art

Fine and performing arts instruction lays a foundation. For exploration and for students to become lifelong creators.
- Develop a variety of multicultural media: collage, painting, fiber, and sculpture
- Explore lines, shapes, and space
- Learn how to discuss/critique art
Music

Fine and performing arts instruction lays a foundation. For exploration and for students to become lifelong creators.
- Develop a base of musical skills and concepts such as pitch, tempo, rhythm, and melody
- Explore locomotor and non-locomotor skills
Physical Education

In Physical Education/Health, children learn about building self-esteem, positive self-image, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Develop social personal skills such as respect for others, compassion, and self-control
- Work on fitness and non-locomotor skills by stretching, aerobic exercises, and learning more about their body
- Learn skills from multiple sports such as soccer, football, and baseball