2 Unique Charter Schools Open in Detroit

DETROIT (WJBK) - Detroit Public Schools are going through some very drastic and painful changes. At the same time, two new charter schools are promising Detroit residents a quality of education they can't get anywhere else.

The experts and expertise of the Detroit Science Center is now being used to educate Detroit students with a promise printed right on the newly opened building. "90-percent of our students will graduate from high school that started with us in the sixth grade, and then 90 will get enrolled in a college or university," said Shawn Hill, who is the principal of the new University Prep Math and Science Middle School at the Detroit Science Center.

This charter school will expose kids to some of the best engineering and scientific minds in Detroit.

"It's a new approach because -- again with the small class sizes -- we're focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which is a little different. So, we have an engineering program -- Project Lead the Way. So, we're trying to put extra programs into our day for enrichment opportunities for our students that you may not have an opportunity to do at a regular school," Hill said.

From math and science to art and design, another new charter school has a partnership with the College for Creative Studies on their brand new campus.

Classes started this week at the Henry Ford Academy School for Creative Studies as the final touches were being put on the building they share with the College of Creative Studies.

"All of our in design curriculum was designed with professors and staff members from the College for Creative Studies," said Principal Michelle White.

With a uniquely designed, newly renovated building, smaller class sizes and a world renown institution as their partner, White says the difficult times are giving way to unique opportunities in education.

"We're looking for creative solutions, innovative solutions in what are very difficult times, and so, what we're saying is those answers, those solutions, will come from this generation of young people," White said.