Educational Design
Our educational design allows teachers to stay with their students for a two year period as they are promoted from one grade to the next. The following year, students will receive a new teacher for another two years. This approach allows continuous learning over a multi-year period which builds meaningful relationships and ensures that students receive adequate, individualized support and academic challenge. Students will “loop” with their teacher for grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5.
Daily activities for all grades include:
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Math
- Science
- Spanish
- Art
Academic Excellence
“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation….. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
YDLA will promote, encourage, and support academic excellence. Students will master a determined body of knowledge within the state required core curricula and will acquire the skills necessary to use their knowledge to successfully graduate from high school. Students will learn:
- to read with comprehension,
- to write intelligently,
- to speak articulately,
- to understand the scientific nature of the world,
- to think creatively and analytically,
- to be proficient with technology, and
- to appreciate and value artistic expression.
YDLA will utilize Core Knowledge for Kindergarten through the 6th Grade, as the framework for its curriculum. In addition to Core Knowledge, textbook series and computer-based instructional learning tools will be selected to supplement and complement the core curriculum. For more information on Core Knowledge visit www.coreknowledge.org.
YDLA recognizes that learning differences exist within its student population and will work within its mission and resources to determine the best strategies for developing individual students’ potential. YDLA staff will work one-on-one with students and consistently partner with parents to ensure the needs of all students are met.
Health & Wellness
“True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.” Humboldt
YDLA is dedicated to promoting and supporting a healthy lifestyle. Students will participate in a comprehensive health, wellness, and physical education program that fosters self-discovery, personal responsibility, teamwork, leadership, and a positive sense of accomplishment. We are committed to collaborating with our lunch provider and local organizations to offer healthy meals and snacks. Our school garden will also contribute fresh produce to incorporate in our lunch program. We will work closely with the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and medical facilities to provide on-going information and classes on healthy strategies to implement at school and home. The YMCA and the YMCA Detroit Leadership Academy are devoted to improving the health and well-being of our students, families and communities.
Leadership Development
“A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under.” Sam Houston
YDLA believes in strong, well grounded moral values and ethical behaviors in developing a foundation for one’s life and in becoming responsible citizens. In keeping with these beliefs, the school will engage students and integrate student learning experiences across the curriculum that will incorporate the basic tenets of values and ethical behaviors, which are essential to responsible citizenship within a democratic society. These tenets include a respect for diversity, an understanding of the importance of inclusion, fundamentals of group work and conflict resolution, and the fundamentals of ethical behavior. By valuing both differences and similarities among students, faculty, families and the community, students will be encouraged to develop a positive self-image and a respect for the rights of others.
YDLA is inspired by Dr. Stephen Covey’s book, “The Leader In Me” which incorporates the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, with academic achievement as a strong foundation for the school’s culture.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People:
- Habit 1: Be Proactive® • You’re in Charge
- Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind® • Have a Plan
- Habit 3: Put First Things First® • Work First, Then Play
- Habit 4: Think Win-Win® • Everyone Can Win
- Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood® • Listen Before You Talk
- Habit 6: Synergize® • Together Is Better
- Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw® • Balance Feels Best
For more information visit www.theleaderinme.org.
Global Citizenship
“…we all have an obligation as citizens of this earth to leave the world a healthier, cleaner, and better place for our children and future generations.” Blythe Danner
The YMCA and YDLA are committed to working with students to acquire an appreciation of world cultures, diversity, foreign language and global inter-connectedness. YDLA will partner with the YUSA International Group and other organizations to:
- Increase students awareness of global issues
- Cultivate respect and appreciation for diversity
- Help students understand the connections between their local actions and experiences and what is happening in the rest of the world
- Prepare students for 21st century careers
Throughout the school year, students will participate, organize and lead a variety of activities including:
- International speaker series
- International celebrations and festivals
- Oversees/International experiences for students
- Virtual interactions with students from other countries
Civic Engagement
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that has.” Margaret Mead
The YMCA and YDLA are committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. We believe that each student has a role to play in serving others. Staff will connect community service projects to classroom learning. Students will collaborate with staff and community members in the planning and design of service projects. Students will also engage in thoughtful reflection following each project and create presentations that will be shared with the community.
Community service projects will help students:
- Apply academic, social, and personal skills to improve the community
- Make and influence decisions with real results
- Grow as individuals, gain respect for peers, and increase civic participation
- Experience success no matter what their academic ability level
- Gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their community, and society
- Experience reciprocity
- Develop as leaders who take initiative, solve problems, work as a team, and demonstrate their abilities while contributing to community development
Technology Plan
The YMCA Detroit Leadership Technology Plan is a 3 Year Strategic Technology Plan. It has been formulated to ensure that technology tools utilized by our students and staff will be current and accessible. It is our intention that the school create a learning environment which will promote proficiency in, as well as an appreciation for technology as an artistic expression. To view the complete Technology Plan click below.