Picking the Perfect School Guide - 2026-2027 | www.detroitk12.org 3 We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)! Whether you are a returning family continuing your journey with us or a new family joining our community for the first time, this Picking the Perfect School Guide is designed with you in mind. It serves as your reimagined roadmap, empowering every student to navigate their unique journey toward self- exploration, growth, and long-term success. True education goes beyond the classroom walls. To ensure our students can fully take advantage of the diverse academic options ahead of them, DPSCD is deeply committed to supporting the whole child and fostering a culture of excellence, through strong daily attendance. We know that when students are present, supported, and engaged every single day, there is no limit to what they can achieve. Choosing the right school means aligning your child’s passions with our intentional pathways to college, work, and life. As you explore this guide, you will see how our school academic plans have been strengthened to ensure consistency and excellence across the District: • Pathway Alignment: Through our High School Redesign initiative, we have built clearer pathways for College, Career, and Credentials. This includes expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, dual enrollment opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications that connect classroom learning directly to real-world success. • Equal Access to Excellence: We are dedicated to ensuring that high-quality coursework is accessible to every student, regardless of which school they attend—whether it is a neighborhood, application, or exam school. • A Solid Foundation: From our foundational elementary programs to specialized high school curricula and adult education, our academic plans provide a predictable, high-quality experience at every level. A great academic plan only succeeds when a child feels safe, valued, and motivated to attend school. This year, we are placing an even greater, intentional emphasis on removing barriers to attendance and surrounding our students with the care they deserve: • Vibrant Whole-Child Programming: We continue to balance core academics with a rich tapestry of arts, athletics, and essential mental health and wellness programming to support your child’s social, emotional, and physical growth. This includes a nurse at every school, along with physical education (gym) and an art and/or music program. • A Shared Commitment to Attendance: Being in school every day opens doors to discovery. We are rallying our schools, families, and community partners to celebrate daily attendance, because every instructional day builds the momentum necessary to achieve big dreams. We know that when our students are absent 18 days or less a school year, they are three to four times more likely to be at or above grade level on state assessments and to be college ready as defined through the P/SAT. I encourage students and families to sit down together and explore this guide. Use it to spark conversations about your child’s unique talents and future aspirations. Whether they are aiming for a four-year university, entering a skilled trade, or preparing to leap directly into the workforce, their preparation starts with finding the right environment today. Our Office of Enrollment stands ready to assist you in finding the specific school sites that best match your student’s interests and needs. Thank you for choosing DPSCD. We are proud to partner with you as we build a stronger, more equitable future for Detroit. Sincerely, Dear Detroit Families, LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Nikolai P. Vitti, Ed.D. Superintendent Detroit Public Schools Community District
