Dove Academy of Detroit: Preparing for the Future through College and Career Readiness
In the past few decades of education reform, much has been learned through the experiences of charter schools in large urban centers. Dove Academy of Detroit is inspired by these high-performing networks who have proven that all students, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, can achieve the highest levels of academic excellence.
The high-performing charter schools that inspire us have taught us the importance of a rigorous curriculum that accounts for the gaps in knowledge and opportunity that may handicap our students before they even start school. They have also shown us that students can be inspired by learning like athletes in pursuit of a championship.
As such, our curriculum requirements for ELA include a robust “science of reading” aligned program that includes progress monitoring and regular data collection so all students can continue to progress on their journey toward reading to learn. RedThread curriculum is present in our K-5 classes in a “foundations” format to encompass students learning to read. The ELA “knowledge” curriculum taught in grades K-8 is centered around social studies and science topics for continued efforts to build student knowledge about the world and to maximize student time-on-task with a cohesive curriculum that meets the need for developing basic skills in the early grades while not neglecting the content necessary for future school success.
Our math curriculum, Eureka Math2 , is grounded in mathematical practice standards, which requires both a curriculum and an instructional model that encourages and develops reasoning, problem solving, and precision.
Students also get plenty of hands-on time with science kits from Foss and dig into social studies curriculum through Social Studies Weekly and the Atlas Rubicon in middle school.
The bulk of a student’s day is spent in developing the habits and skills necessary to succeed in any domain. That said, the whole child is of great importance. A schedule of specials in the arts, physical education, dance, and foreign language enhances programming and the student experience. Furthermore, Dove Academy respects the need for recess and provides opportunities for students to play and socialize throughout the day.