THE JAMES AND GRACE LEE BOGGS SCHOOL

The James and Grace Lee Boggs School is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the The James and Grace Lee Boggs School school district, located in Detroit, MI with about 131 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 3 teachers, The James and Grace Lee Boggs School has a student/teacher ratio of about 43:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The James and Grace Lee Boggs School, located in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood, is a tuition-free public charter school that distinguishes itself through a place-based, community-focused educational philosophy. Named after the legendary Detroit activists James and Grace Lee Boggs, the school is deeply rooted in the principles of social justice, critical thinking, and civic engagement. Rather than focusing solely on standardized testing, the curriculum emphasizes "place-based" learning, where the city of Detroit serves as a primary classroom. Students are encouraged to explore their local environment, engage with neighborhood residents, and contribute to the revitalization of their community, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility.

The school’s pedagogical approach is heavily influenced by the Boggs’ lifelong commitment to radical democracy and human-centered development. By integrating the arts, social studies, and environmental stewardship into daily lessons, the school aims to cultivate "solutionaries"—young people equipped to identify systemic problems and create creative, sustainable solutions. Small class sizes and a commitment to restorative justice practices support a nurturing environment where students are treated as active participants in their own education. Ultimately, the Boggs School strives to move beyond traditional academic metrics to prepare students to be compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged citizens who are invested in the future of their city.

For more information, contact The James and Grace Lee Boggs School at (313) 923-2301 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.