CLARA B FORD ACADEMY SDA

Clara B Ford Academy SDA is a public charter high school that is part of the Clara B. Ford Academy (SDA) school district, located in DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI with about 135 students offering grade levels from 5th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 13 teachers, Clara B Ford Academy SDA has a student/teacher ratio of about 10:1. 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.

Clara B. Ford Academy is a unique public school academy located in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, specifically designed to serve the educational needs of girls placed in the state’s juvenile justice system. Operated through a partnership between the school district and the Wayne County Department of Child and Family Services, the academy focuses on providing a stable, structured, and supportive learning environment for students who have often experienced significant interruptions in their traditional schooling. The curriculum is tailored to help these young women earn their high school diplomas or GEDs while addressing the social and emotional challenges that frequently accompany their placement.

Beyond traditional academic instruction, the school emphasizes a holistic approach to student success by integrating behavioral support and life-skills training into the daily routine. Because the student body consists of residents of the Clara B. Ford residential treatment facility, the academy operates with a high level of specialized oversight to ensure safety and continuity. By fostering a culture of resilience and personal development, the school aims to equip its students with the academic credentials and self-advocacy skills necessary to transition successfully back into their communities and pursue post-secondary opportunities.

For more information, contact Clara B Ford Academy SDA at (313) 436-0020 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.