The Scholar Experience

Where scholars are inspired to discover their potential, build confidence, and lead with purpose.

The DCP Scholar Experience

From Day One to Graduation and Beyond

At DCP Redford, the scholar experience extends far beyond the classroom. As a tuition-free, K–8 public charter school in Redford, Michigan, we nurture the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—through personalized instruction, hands-on learning, and a safe, supportive environment. Every scholar is known, valued, and empowered to grow into a confident learner and compassionate leader.

Families are at the heart of our work. Together, we inspire scholars to achieve excellence, explore their interests, and make a lasting impact within our school and the Redford community.

DCP Redford scholars.

Where Care Meets Excellence

DCP Redford teachers.

Stephen Johnson, Principal

“When scholars walk through the doors of DCP Redford, they’re entering a place where they are known, supported, and inspired to succeed. Our team is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to think boldly, lead with integrity, and take pride in their growth and achievements.”

Hallmarks of

The DCP REDFORD Experience

DCP Redford’s proven model ensures every scholar receives a high-quality, well-rounded education built on safety, care, and academic excellence.

Strong Academics & Personalized Learning

Every scholar benefits from rigorous, data-driven instruction tailored to their individual needs. Through small-group learning, one-on-one support, and targeted intervention in math and reading, our teachers help scholars build strong foundations and reach their full potential.

Data Analyst

Nick Watson

It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Enrichment & After-School Programs

DCP Redford offers a wide range of after-school activities and enrichment opportunities—including robotics, dance, tutoring, soccer, basketball, and more. These programs encourage teamwork, creativity, and leadership beyond the classroom.

Safe, Supportive, and Nurturing Environments

Safety and care are at the core of our mission. Our staff foster trust, respect, and belonging so every scholar feels valued, encouraged, and confident to take on new challenges.

Caring Teachers & Mentorship

Our teachers serve as mentors who truly know and support each scholar. Through guidance, goal-setting, and encouragement, they cultivate confidence, character, and a lasting love of learning.

Data Analyst

Nick Watson

It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Character & Leadership Development

DCP Redford prepares scholars to lead with integrity and empathy. Leadership programs, community service, and enrichment experiences help students strengthen their voice, character, and sense of purpose.

Family & Community Partnership

We believe that strong family and community connections are vital to a scholar’s success. Through open communication, family events, and partnerships like SkilledUS, Summer Advantage, and local organizations such as Costco and Dogtopia, we support scholar learning, literacy, and family growth.

What Families Can Expect

from the DCP REDFORD Experience

Families choose DCP Redford for a school that feels safe, nurturing, and connected—where scholars are supported, challenged, and inspired every day. From rigorous academics to hands-on enrichment, we help every child reach their potential and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.

Where Every Child Belongs

DCP Redford is built on safety, respect, and belonging. Every scholar is known, valued, and supported in a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity and community.

Innovative Classrooms

We combine small-group instruction, 1:1 technology, and interactive projects to make learning engaging and effective for every scholar.

Character & Leadership

Our scholars learn to lead with integrity, kindness, and confidence. Through mentorship and service opportunities, they develop the skills to make a positive impact in their school and beyond.

Academic Excellence for All

With a data-driven curriculum and personalized instruction, every scholar receives the support and challenge they need to excel in core subjects like math, reading, and science.

Joyful Learning Environments

From robotics and dance to sports, clubs, and family events, DCP Redford provides joyful, engaging experiences that make learning exciting.

Empowered Educators

Our dedicated teachers are lifelong learners themselves—receiving ongoing coaching, training, and resources to deliver high-quality instruction and inspire every scholar to succeed.

Empowering Scholars, Strengthening Families,
Transforming Communities

At DCP Redford, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through programs like Skilled US and Summer Advantage, we equip both children and adults with the tools to thrive—helping families gain stability, scholars stay on track, and communities build brighter futures. Together, we’re creating opportunities that change lives across generations.

Skilled US logo.

Build a Brighter Future with Skilled US

skilledus.org

Through Skilled US, DCP Redford extends its mission beyond the classroom—empowering parents and adult family members (ages 17+) to build stable, rewarding careers. This FREE job training program offers hands-on instruction, career coaching, and direct connections to employers in high-demand industries. Graduates of Skilled US programs earn $45,000 or more per year, creating greater financial stability for their families and stronger foundations for their children’s success. When parents thrive, scholars thrive. Click below to learn more and start your journey toward a new career today.

Summer Advantage Logo.

Build a Brighter Future with Skilled US

SummerAdvantage.org

DCP Redford partners with Summer Advantage to keep scholars learning, growing, and thriving year-round. This FREE, research-based summer program helps prevent learning loss and boosts academic achievement through hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun activities that spark curiosity. While most students lose ground over the summer, DCP Redford scholars gain skills, confidence, and friendships that carry into the next school year. Families love the joy, structure, and inspiration their children experience every day. Click below to learn more and give your child the gift of a summer that makes a difference.

DCP REDFORD’S

FAMILY JOURNEY

At DCP Redford, education is more than academics; it’s a family journey of growth, opportunity, and transformation. From a scholar’s first day in PreK to their high school graduation and beyond, DCP Redford empowers entire families through love, high expectations, and excellence. Scholars receive a world-class education focused on reading, math, and social-emotional growth, while parents gain access to career training and support through Skilled US. Together, these experiences create confident, college- and career-ready graduates and thriving families who uplift their communities for generations to come.

Phalen Leadership Academies young female scholar holding an award.

The Scholar Journey Through DCP Redford (K–8)

From the first day of Kindergarten through 8th Grade, DCP Redford scholars experience a transformative education rooted in love, high expectations, and academic excellence. Our classrooms build strong foundations in reading, math, and social-emotional growth while nurturing leadership, service, and a passion for lifelong learning.

Summer Advantage scholars on a field trip.

Summer Advantage

Learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Through our partnership with Summer Advantage, scholars stay engaged and inspired all summer long with hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun experiences that boost achievement and prevent learning loss.

Skilled US CNA.

Skilled US

With Skilled US, DCP Redford extends opportunity beyond the classroom—offering free career training for parents and adult family members (ages 17+). Graduates often earn $45,000 or more per year, building financial stability, confidence, and a stronger foundation for their children’s success.

DCP Harper Woods 8th grade graduate.

Beyond Graduation & Community Impact

The DCP Redford experience transforms entire families. Alumni, parents, and partners become leaders and advocates who strengthen their neighborhoods and inspire the next generation—creating a lasting legacy of learning, growth, and opportunity.

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act protects scholars from discrimination based on their lack of a permanent residence. Homeless Scholars are eligible to receive a variety of services including: transportation services, free meals under the school nutrition programs, limited English proficiency class, gifted and talented programs, and special education services based on a scholar’s eligibility. Homeless Scholars will not be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency. Please consult the McKinney-Vento Act Liaison if you need assistance. The PLA Network does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or national origin in any employment and/or educational opportunity. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity for which the PLA Network Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The PLA Network values diversity. Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is committed to making its websites accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities, and strives to ensure accessibility currently and as new technologies emerge. PLA welcomes questions and input on its sites' accessibility at each development phase. Please contact our Call Center at 888.655.0777 or submit feedback to Communications@PhalenAcademies.org if you encounter an issue accessing any portion of the network's websites.

Click here to learn more about the network's digital accessibility efforts.