District Overview

Thank you for visiting the Dearborn Public Schools web site.

To learn about our schools, it is important to first learn about the Dearborn area.  The community is proud of the role that this region has played in the history and development of Southeastern Michigan.  It is a history that can be traced back to Native Americans living along the banks of the Rouge River.  Some of the first Europeans to settle in the area were French fur traders, and farmers.  The first school in Dearborn dates back to the early 1800s and was nothing more than a simple, one-room log cabin.  This is quite a contrast to the 34 neighborhood elementary, middle, and high schools that now span the district.

As Detroit and Chicago grew, Dearborn became a favorite stop for travelers making their way along the dusty path that stretched between the cities.  Now, a paved five-lane street, Michigan Avenue still passes through the heart of Dearborn.  Auto giant Henry Ford was born on a small farm in Dearborn.  His accomplishments revolutionized the auto industry and brought the automobile to millions of people around the world.  Today, Dearborn remains the World Headquarters of Ford Motor Company.  Many schools in Dearborn carry the name of Mr. Ford and his family. Fordson High School, one of three public high schools in our district, recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary. The school was the first million dollar high school in the country and has been designated an Historical Landmark by the state of Michigan. This school district is part of a growing, vibrant area built upon quality education and outstanding city services.  New schools, housing, and retail development compliment the existing infrastructure to provide residents with a safe, stable community. 

The Dearborn School district includes the entire city of Dearborn and a small portion of Dearborn Heights.    In terms of enrollment, our district is the seventh largest in the state with slightly more than 17,500 students. District policy is decided by a seven-member Board of Education.  Day-to-day operation of the district is carried out by approximately 2,000 instructional and non-instructional employees lead by the Superintendent, Dr. John Burl Artis.   Elementary schools provide instruction for grades kindergarten through 5, middle schools serve grades 6 through 8, and the district’s three high schools provide instruction for students in grades 9 through 12.  The district also operates an Early Childhood program, Adult and Community Education program, a variety of preschool and before- and after-school programs, and is partnered with Vista Maria, providing instruction for young women at Clara B. Ford School.  All Dearborn Schools are accredited by the North Central Association for school accreditation and have made Adequate Yearly Progress as mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind legislation.

Each and every one of our schools is a great place for your child to receive their education.  The district offers programs and services to meet the needs of all students.  To find out more, please contact the school in your neighborhood or the Administration Office at 827-3006.  To help you explore this web site, we have provided a few suggestions to just some of the many areas of interest and programs that we offer.

• A clear Vision and Mission for the district.
• A comprehensive Strategic Plan provides the road map for all the work being done in the district .
• Curriculum aligned with state benchmarks and standards.
• Reading programs in elementary schools designed to teach all students the skills they need to become successful readers.
• Everyday Math in grades K-8.
• Advancement placement and dual enrollment.
• Services for children with special needs.
• Instrumental Music beginning in 4th grade.
• The new Michael Berry Career Center offering programs that will prepare students to continue their studies at the university, college, or other post-secondary education institution.
• Highly-acclaimed bilingual department provides outstanding services to meet the needs of the district’s large number of English language learners.
• Boys and girls athletics beginning in middle school.
• A Virtual High School nationally recognized as a model for alternative methods of delivering instruction.
• Social Workers, counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, teachers, and teacher leaders work directly with students.  
• District-wide technology and electrical infrastructure upgrades allow the district to improve upon the use of technology as a teaching tool.
• Four new schools and additions to four other schools provide facilities conducive to teaching and learning.  

Dearborn Public Schools
We are in the business of teaching and learning.

• Vision, Mission, & Objectives
• Our Beliefs
• Our Core Values