Our History
Detroit needs a new generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers, people who can produce new ideas and come up with new solutions. Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies (HFA: SCS), Detroit's middle and high school of strong academics, art, design and creativity is responding to this need. It's different by design.
HFA: SCS opened on September 8, 2009 at the new A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education in Detroit's New Center area. Our school is a partnership led by Detroit's College for Creative Studies (CCS), a world leader in art and design education, and Henry Ford Learning Institute (HFLI), a non-profit organization founded by Ford Motor Company Fund and The Henry Ford and dedicated to creating public schools in public spaces. In a separate event on January 25, 2010, we honored Bob & Ellen Thompson for their investment in our school, and dedicated our a gymnasium in their name.
Today, HFA: SCS students have the unique opportunity in Detroit to attend middle and high school on a world-class college campus, with planned learning experiences with the College's faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students. Highly qualified teachers, a small school structure, small class sizes, and a hands-on approach support teaching and learning growth. Learning extends out into the community, incorporating Detroit's people and its resources. Visits to college campuses, guest speakers, including vehicle and furniture designers, and exploration of local cultural institutions, such as The Henry Ford and the Detroit Institute of Arts, help students create real world connections. Student and staff artwork is visible throughout our school, and projects are showcased at public exhibitions, including the annual CCS Student Exhibition. Competitive sports programs and school-wide projects, such as penny wars for the Haitian relief effort, provide a well-rounded student experience.
During the 2010-2011 school year, HFA: SCS is serving approximately 580 students in grades 6-10. At full enrollment in the 2012-2013 school year, HFA: SCS will serve nearly 900 students in grades 6 through 12. All of our students attend HFA: SCS tuition-free.
