District Updates
Applications now being accepted for district superintendent
Applications are now officially open for the next superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools.
The job position was posted on Feb. 20 by the Michigan Leadership Institute (MLI), the firm leading the superintendent search. See the superintendent job posting here. Applications are accepted through the MLI website.
Earlier in February, MLI held 16 meetings to solicit feedback from different stakeholder groups, including two public meetings for parents, residents, and other interested community members. More than 100 people attended a meeting to learn more about the search process and offer insight on what characteristics they felt the next superintendent should have.
Michigan Leadership Institute also offered surveys in English, Arabic, and Spanish to allow those who could not attend a meeting in person to provide input. A total of 258 people completed a survey.
Applications to be the next superintendent will be accepted until March 27 at 4 p.m.
Learn more about the search timeline and find the latest updates on the Superintendent Search Information website.
Free Summer Discovery Program returns and expands for 2026
Thanks to a multi-million dollar grant, Dearborn Schools is enlarging its Summer Discover Program to include students from kindergarten through ninth grade.
The free Summer Discovery Program will provide fun enrichment activities and additional math and literacy lessons for students. Field trips will also be included
The five-week Summer Discovery program is again funded through a nearly $8 million grant from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Ballmer Group. Last year, 4,000 students took part in Summer Discovery.
Summer Discovery 2026 starts on Monday, June 29 and runs through Friday, July 31.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Teacher of the Year Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Award.
This annual award is sponsored by the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by LaFontaine Automotive Group. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 6 at 5 p.m. The online nomination form is available on both the Dearborn Public Schools website and the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce site. Adults may assist students in completing nominations when necessary. No more than two teachers may be nominated per student.
Awards will be presented to a total of five Dearborn Public Schools teachers – one in each of five categories.
Free preschool enrollment forms available starting March 13
Dearborn Public Schools’ Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) will begin distributing applications on March 13 for the 2026-27 school year.
GSRP is a free preschool program available to any family who lives in the district and qualifies. The state in recent years has expanded eligibility so that most district families now qualify. Dearborn Public Schools is strongly encouraging all families who live in the district and have a child the correct age to apply for GSRP. The district’s program is available at 16 locations offering 608 students a free, high-quality preschool.
To be eligible, children must turn 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2026.
Orientations set for incoming middle and high school students and parents
Dearborn Public Schools is already planning orientation events for next fall’s incoming middle and high school students and their families. Parents and students already in the district and those considering joining the district are welcome to attend and learn more about their future schools.
At orientations school staff will discuss details like schedules, scheduling, class expectations and extracurricular activities.
Applications open for Early Colleges, DCMST, and STEM Middle School
Applications for next year have opened for two Dearborn Public School high school programs and our magnet middle school.
Applications are open until Feb. 20 for all three Henry Ford Early College programs. These programs allow students to attend school for five years and earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree or trade certification at no cost to the family. Learn more on the Early College application website. Find the available career paths on each program’s individual webpage.
Applications are also open through Feb. 27 for the Dearborn Center for Math, Science and Technology. DCMST is a half-day program for high achieving high school students interested in STEM-related fields.
For STEM Middle School, most students do not need to apply. District fifth graders who qualify will be invited. Applications must be submitted by April 17 for students who live in the district but do not attend a district school and for current district sixth grade students who want to apply for any spots that may open in seventh grade.
District developing possible bond scenarios for board input after special meeting
The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education continued its discussion of a possible infrastructure bond during a study session on Jan. 5, including hearing about four schools with critical needs and the results of a community study.
Residents can watch the entire study session on the district’s YouTube Channel.
As a result of input from trustees, school administrators are now working on four possible infrastructure bond plans to bring to the board for further discussion. The proposals will allow trustees to compare different scenarios, narrowing the options before possible plans are presented to the public for more feedback.
Different estimates show district buildings need well over than $1 billion in work.
Upcoming Events
Our Impact in Numbers…
19,347
Students
1426
Instructors
37
District Buildings
100%
Committed to Student Success
Voices of Dearborn Schools
A Love for Learning and Leading
“Math is my favorite part of school. I love multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division. It feels like solving a puzzle, and figuring out the answer is exciting. Ms. Courtright, makes learning even better. She’s smart, funny, and always explains things in a way that helps me understand. Because of her, I’ve improved my grades and feel more confident in class.
This year, I joined the varsity basketball team and enjoyed fun school assemblies. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so I can help people.”
Building Lifelong Readers
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching students grow intellectually throughout the year. Through our Classroom Book A Day program, I see their conversations evolve from simple responses to thoughtful, sophisticated discussions. Seeing that growth firsthand is incredibly meaningful.
A powerful part of the program is reading nearly 200 books together over the course of the year. Students are exposed to diverse characters, cultures, and perspectives, and I truly believe this helps create lifelong readers who develop a love of storytelling.
I have also worked closely with English language learners and have seen newcomers make remarkable reading growth in a single year.
As a product of Dearborn Public Schools and now a parent in the district, Dearborn feels like home. It is a community that works together to support every student.”
From the Classroom to the Spelling Bee Stage
“My favorite part of school is my friends. They’re awesome, and we have a lot of fun together. That’s what makes school great. This year, I’ve been involved in a lot of activities. I’m in Chess Club, Readers Theater, and I was part of the school play, 101 Dalmatians. I’m also competing in the spelling bee and heading to Fordson for the next round. Last year I got out on the word ‘firefighter’. Those silent letters can be tricky!
When I grow up, I want to be a comedian. I like making people laugh, and I think it would be fun to talk and entertain people for a living. School gives me lots of chances to try new things.”
Rooted in Tradition,
Focused on the Future
“The most rewarding part of my job is when students have those ‘aha’ moments. When I’m teaching something and suddenly it clicks for them, and then I see them use it in their writing or apply it in real life. It reminds me that what I’m doing truly matters.
After 24 years in Dearborn Public Schools, I’ve seen the lasting impact of teaching. Former students return to visit and share their accomplishments. You think they move on, but they remember. That’s incredibly meaningful.
Dearborn Public Schools feels like family. I was born and raised here, and this community is home. There’s a strong sense of tradition and care. People truly look out for one another.”
Kindness in Action
“What makes my school awesome is that we have amazing teachers and kind people. I’m part of the Kindness Club, which reminds us that we’re supposed to be kind and respectful. In Kindness Club, teachers pick two students from each class who show kindness, and we do things like give kind notes to our neighbors and community on Kindness Day.
My teacher, Mr. Rinko, makes learning fun. He’s funny, tells lots of jokes, which makes learning enjoyable.
I’m in Kindness Squad, Robotics, EHS, and now I’m in basketball. One of the coolest things I did this year was STEAM Night, where we saw experiments like elephant toothpaste and liquid nitrogen. That was really cool. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor who works with children’s bones.”
Students First, Always
“The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing the growth from the beginning of the year to the end. Students come in at one level, and little by little, their confidence builds. By the end of the year, the progress is clear, and that is incredibly meaningful.
I especially see this with my newcomers. Many arrive as English learners and are still adjusting. Over time, they become more confident, more engaged, and begin picking up their letters and reading skills. Watching that transformation is truly special.
As a product of Dearborn Public Schools, attending Lowrey from preschool through eighth grade and then Fordson for high school, it means so much to give back to the same community that shaped me. Our school feels like a family, and we always put students first.”
Building Global Thinkers
“One of the most powerful parts of teaching is seeing how much students grow over the course of the year. Through shared reading experiences and thoughtful discussions, they begin to move beyond simple responses and engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations.
What stands out most is how students expand their understanding of different cultures and recognize the similarities we share. They start making connections to global traditions and themes, referencing books in ways that show real growth in perspective. Watching their worldview broaden is incredibly impactful.
I have worked in Dearborn for 15 years, and it has always felt like home. The community is welcoming and uplifting. Our students are driven and eager to learn, and that energy brings depth and purpose to everything we do.”
Kindness Makes the Difference
“What makes my teacher special is how kind she is and how much she helps us learn. She really cares about us, and it makes me want to do my best.
I joined Haigh around Thanksgiving, and I like how welcoming everyone has been. The teachers help us, remind us to keep our promises, and make school fun. Since coming here, I’ve been working on making new friends and doing my best every day.
When I grow up, I might want to be a teacher because I would like to meet new kids and help them learn. I also think about becoming a doctor because I could be the first doctor in my family. That would be really special.”
A Culture of Compassion and Connection
“The most rewarding part of teaching is the relationships I build with my students. Over time, those connections truly matter. Years ago, a former student reached out after graduating from college and entering the workforce. He told me that the math skills I pushed him to master in fourth grade were something he used every day in his career. Hearing that years later meant everything.
At DuVall, we are truly a melting pot. Our students come from many different backgrounds, and that diversity makes our school special. If I had to describe Dearborn Public Schools in one word, it would be compassionate. Our educators, families, and students genuinely care about one another. That sense of compassion and community is what makes this district feel like home.”
From the Classroom to Creative Dreams
“What makes my school awesome is that the students are kind and the teachers are respectful and caring. They take care of us and teach us in ways that help us really understand. It makes school feel welcoming every day.
My teacher, Ms. Kazan, is special because she inspires us and makes learning fun. She tells funny jokes and is always in a good mood, which makes our classroom a positive place to be.
I’m involved in Art Club, Ecology Club, and basketball. I’ve also been in soccer and cross country. When I grow up, I want to be a makeup artist. I’ve loved doing makeup since I was little, and I enjoy being creative and expressing myself through art.”
Showing Up for Every Student
“The most rewarding part of teaching is showing up for my students every single day. I know they look forward to coming to school, and I want them to feel welcomed and important whenever they walk through the door. Every day they are here, they know they matter.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing growth, especially with students who begin the year struggling. By the end of the school year, the difference is clear. I see this most with newcomers who may arrive knowing very little English but leave feeling confident and performing at grade level. Watching that transformation is incredibly powerful.
As a former Dearborn Public Schools student myself, it is special to now be part of the district as an educator. Our school community feels friendly and welcoming. We truly are all one.”
Shaping Dearborn’s Future Since 1944
The Dearborn Public School District is rich in history and deeply rooted in the community we serve. For generations, our schools have been places where students grow, families connect, and learning thrives. We take pride in our beautiful, historic buildings, but it’s not just our facilities that make us special—it’s the people inside them. Our dedicated staff, welcoming families, and diverse student body create a safe, nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to succeed.
At Dearborn Public Schools, we honor our past while continuously evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s learners.
Students First – Inspire, Educate, Celebrate
ParentSquare District Posts
Join Us on ParentSquare
Dearborn Schools is now using ParentSquare as our official communication tool! Parents and staff, please download the app and find all of your communication, forms, and more in one place. See the ParentSquare page for more information.
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New to the district?
We’re glad you’re here and excited to welcome you to Dearborn Public Schools. As a new parent, you likely have a few questions—we’re here to help. Our goal is to connect you with the right people so you can enroll your child and become a valued part of our learning community.
Celebrating Excellence in Education, Recognized Nationwide
Blue Ribbon Schools
Dearborn Public Schools is nationally recognized for the strength of its programs—and, most importantly, for the success of its students. Our district and individual schools regularly receive honors from both state and national organizations (see our news section for the latest awards). Among these achievements, we are especially proud that five of our schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
Policy & Mandates
- Student Acceptable Use Guidelines
- Staff Acceptable Use Guidelines
- Strategic Plan 2024-2026
- Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities
- District Policy and Guidelines
- 504 Plans – Students with Disabilities Information
- FOIA Procedures and Guidelines
- Teacher Evaluation Model
- Superintendent Evaluation Process
- Adult Education Observation Model
