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 academics 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 fulling their civic duties in a participatory democracy and effectively engaging in our global society.

World Languages - Students develop effective communication in at least one world language other than English as well as cultural competence to help all our students become better-equipped global citizens.

Meeting the academic needs of our students has always been at the core of our school offerings. The District continues to provide us with the resources that we need to educate our students to prepare them as they move forward in life.

Our Academic course offering includes:

English Language Arts (ELA)

In grades K-8 our district has selected an EL Education as our core instructional materials. In K-2, students will have 3 hours of instruction that includes Foundational Skills, Module Lessons, and a Literacy Lab. Grades 3-6 instruction is comprised of module lessons and ALL (Additional Language and Learning) block for small group instruction. The materials are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and designed to promote critical thinking and engagement with real world content.

Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum is fully aligned to state standards—what students are expected to learn and be able to do at the end of each grade level. The Math for K-8 is called Eureka Math and it encourages mathematics-rich classroom environments. The new math promotes rigor, relevance, and relationships in mathematics classrooms.

Math Link: MATH K-8 Eureka

Social Studies/History

Our Social Studies curriculum is aligned with the Michigan State Standards and aims to develop a foundation of historical skills and concepts over time. Kindergarten focuses on students recognizing their place in the world and their individual responsibilities. Grades 1-3 introduces students to the concepts of Economics, Diversity, Geography, as well as Detroit and Michigan History. Grades 4 -5 instruction shifts to World History, Government, Impacts of War and continues to expand upon Detroit and Michigan History.

Social Studies Link: Michigan K-8 Content Expectations

Science

DPSCD implements a Science Curriculum that provides students 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.

K-2
- Force
- Weather
- Plants and Animals
3rd Grade
- Invisible Forces
- Animals through Time
- Plant Adventures/Power of Flowers
- Stormy Skies
4th Grade
- Waves of sound
- Human machine
- Dynamic earth
- Fire ecology
5th Grade
- Web of Life
- Watery Planet
- Dynamic Earth
- Fire Ecology
Our goal at Cooke is to ensure that all our students are well rounded and receive the highest quality academic offerings that meet both the core standards and creative development.

We offer the following electives:

Physical Education/Gym
- Students will engage in physical education routines to promote strength, coordination and agility. They will also be exposed to health facts and tips for balanced eating.
S.T.E.M
- Students will engage in science, technology, engineering, and math concepts to promote growth mindsets, complex thinking, and independence. They will also be exposed to typing, technology like 3D printers, and completing activities as a team.
- Click here to see our STEM program in action!
Art
- Cooke's Art program will build students' artistic skills, knowledge of art history, and partake in a positive social environment for learning. Students will also be exposed to an integrated art curriculum that will deepen their art learning and help build students' sense of self-esteem.
- Click here to see student artwork from 2021!
- Click here to see student artwork from 2022!