About
The visionary K-8 Detroit Achievement Academy which has served nearly 1,000 students to date has boldly redefined the very essence of school and student success, giving students authentic ownership in their educational journey. The racially and economically diverse school is a melting pot of the community that engages students to actively learn-by-doing, tackling challenges and projects as scientists, urban planners, historians, and activists who investigate real community problems and create creative, actionable solutions that immediately change the learning process and make students engaged and happy.
Their Story
Dedicated to creating civically engaged, joyful citizens who are ready to change the world, and willing to STOP at nothing to deliver it, this top performing charter gets better outcomes than its traditional counterparts.
Kyle Smitley
Founder & Executive Director
“We know what it feels like to make national history. Three years ago, for the first time ever, a state university accepted our entire eighth grade class into college, tuition free. The next year, they did it again. And the next year, they accepted their entire eighth grade class – and their families!”
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Why they stand out
An unconventional charter with an innovative approach to teaching and learning which embeds the founder’s enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit into a broad and diverse portfolio of student learning, giving them an opportunity to lead at a young age and excel against the odds.
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How they STOP for education
Fighting to keep charter schools open and well-funded, Detroit Achievement Academy is making education sustainable and transformational for its community, too. Not only did their entire eighth grade class get accepted into Grand Valley State University tuition-free when they are ready but their entire families were as well!
One of two schools to earn Michigan’s highest accountability rating in 2016, DAA continues to beat records with outstanding education.
With permissionless zeal, Detroit Achievement fought and prevailed in its efforts to open and operate despite continued opposition from the failing district in which it is located.
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Winning their award
Being named a Finalist for the Yass Prize gives Detroit Achievement Academy the tools and resources to codify its educational model into a replicable toolkit, which serves as a resource for 1000s of future, innovative leaders to embrace and implement their groundbreaking educational model.
