Our Academics and 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.

EL Education

DPSCD implements the EL Education curriculum to provide a standards-based literacy program that engages students 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.

For more information, visit our EL Education page.

Eureka Math

DPSCD uses the Eureka Math Curriculum with the intention of helping our students 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 our Math Curriculum page.

Science

Our elementary Science is filled with innovative, hands-on programs for grades 1-5. Working alongside MSU in our STEM program, grades 3-5 study life science ranging from interesting topics on the Great Lakes, animals, electronics and the chemistry of taste. Additionally, all elementary science students are involved in the DNR program "Salmon in the Classroom", watching the 7-month life cycle of the Chinook Salmon growing in our classroom's 50-gallon tank, before the salmon are released at Belle Isle in May. All science students are a part of our Munger Michigan garden, where they care and harvest their fruits, vegetables and herbs. Our science classroom frequently has guest speakers, along with new quarterly exhibits from the Detroit Children's Museum. Feel free to visit or stop by to see our thriving science programs at Munger!

Social Studies Overview

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. In the middle school 6th grade will start with Geography and then move into Western Hemisphere - 7th grade and 8th will start with The Beginning of Civilization and then a focus on the Eastern Hemisphere. We provide both historical and common era information with real world parallels.
Munger students have the opportunity to take electives classes such as:
- Art Classes
- Music Classes
- Physical Education
- Computer Science (Middle School)
- Debate (Middle School)