FAQ

Is your site available in Spanish?

Yes! Our site is available in English and Spanish. You can select your language preference at the top of the screen on the right side. If you have specific translation needs, please contact us at info@cecdetroit.org.

Do I need to visit a school?

School communities have their own cultures and personalities. To best assess if a particular school culture is a fit for your family, nothing beats an in-person visit. Please see our school visit checklist to assist your planning on school visits.

What is a “public charter school?”

A tuition-free, non-profit “public school academy” created by a written grant (charter) between an “authorizer” and an outside external group, that serves as its board. Charter schools can include grades K-12 in any combination. Charters are mission-driven schools, generally designed to meet a specific community need or have a particular curricular focus. Each charter is considered its own district and is governed independently. Detroit charters are open to all Michigan students, regardless of neighborhood, and must follow the same federal and state laws that govern traditional public schools.

What is a “public district school?”

A traditional, free-of-charge, tax-funded public school system. The Detroit Public Schools Community District replaced Detroit Public Schools in 2016. DPSCD’s 100+ schools are open to all kids who reside in the city, and each child is guaranteed a spot starting in kindergarten.

What is GOAL Line? What schools participate in GOAL Line?

CEC’s GOAL Line is an innovative program providing high-quality after-school enrichment and transportation to Detroit students. Students participate in engaging activities like swimming, cooking, art, coding, STEM, and leadership building. GOAL Line serves as a community hub, connecting students and families to behavior supports and other resources across Detroit. Visit our website https://www.goaldetroit.org to get more information about how to participate if you attend one of our partner schools. 

What are some things to consider when choosing a school for my child?

There are lots of things for you to consider. Please review our guide to selecting a school to get started.

We speak a language besides English at home. What do I need to do to enroll my child?

All public schools are required to provide education to students regardless of the language they speak. If you do not speak English, your child will need an assessment. If needed, they will be placed in a program that supports their language and educational needs. Refer to our ELL (English Language Learners) resources to learn more. 

What is the 8th grade exam?

DPSCD has a number of application schools for which students need to apply and test to gain admission. More information is available on the website here.

What is an exam school and how do I apply?

DPSCD has a number of application schools for which students need to apply and test to gain admission. More information is available on the website here!

What standardized tests do students take?

All Michigan public school students take the MStep grades 3-8 and grade 11, the PSAT8 in grade 8, the PSAT9 in grade 9, the PSAT10 in grade 10, and the SAT in grade 11. DPSCD students also take the ACT WorkKeys test in grade 11. Every school is required to also administer a growth measurement test. Many schools use the NWEA MAP Test and the iReady test for this purpose.

I am undocumented. Can I still register my child for school?

Yes. Every child residing in Michigan is entitled to a free public education without regard to immigration status. In Plyler v Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from denying equal access to public elementary and secondary schools to undocumented school-age children. A resident student who has met the age requirements and has not obtained a high school diploma may be counted in membership for purposes of state aid and cannot be denied a right to attend the resident district. A school district should determine whether a student is a resident of the school district without regard to the student’s immigration status. As a result of the Supreme Court decision, public schools may not:

• Deny admission to a student based on undocumented status or immigration status.

• Treat students differently to determine residency.

• Require students or parents to disclose or document their immigration status.

• Make inquiries of students or parents that may expose their undocumented status. School interactions, processes, and procedures must not expose an enrolling student’s documentation status or in any way discourage enrollment or full participation in the school community (referred to as creating a “chilling” effect). 

My child needs special education services. What do I need to do to enroll my student?

If your child has an IEP, and you are entering school for the first time, you have several options. If you wish to enroll your child in Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), a team will be assigned to you to help place your student in a school, according to their IEP needs.

If you’d like to explore charter schools, you should talk to individual schools to discuss how they will be able to service the IEP.