Developmental Areas

Academic Content

Students will demonstrate an understanding of academic content (Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, and social studies) by applying skills and knowledge in real life situations. They will also be expected to demonstrate and understand an appreciation of fine arts, career opportunities, health/physical education, and world languages and cultures.

Technology

Using technology to learn is a vital part of the learning process for all Academy students, as they will use technology as an integral part of their approach to learning and solving problems throughout their lifetime, both at work and in their personal lives. Students learn to evaluate the various technologies that are available for specific purposes, then select the technologies that are most appropriate to serve that purpose.

Communication

Effective communication skills are integral to the success of all Academy students. From the students' first day of orientation they learn the importance of effectively communicating their ideas and wishes in formal and informal settings. Throughout their daily activities within the team environment, making formal presentations before groups and even eating lunch in the museum's employee cafeteria, students learn about different styles of communication and the challenges associated with communicating with diverse groups of people.

Thinking & Learning

Students will demonstrate responsible citizenship, which includes respect for self, others, and the environment. They will also demonstrate personal characteristics such as confidence, reliability, flexibility, resourcefulness, and an openness to change. As an ongoing part development, students will understand the importance of continuous learning and set goals that reflect a commitment to the values required to live in a diverse and democratic society.

Personal Development

Throughout all 5 developmental areas, there is a constant emphasis on Personal Development. Because the Academy believes that personal growth and development is a part of learning, students work and learn in teams, changing team members on a regular basis. Through this process of working with others, students gain knowledge about team-building and conflict resolution.

Personal Development also includes learning to behave appropriately in the Academy's learning environment, following the Academy's dress code, arriving to class on time, and other types of developmental behaviors that are valuable not only in a high school setting, but are necessary for success in a post-secondary environment. Henry Ford Academy students are expected to demonstrate appropriate personal development at all times. Since the Academy is housed in a world-class Museum setting to which admission is paid, it is very important that student behavior not interfere with the rights of Museum patrons, Museum Staff, other Academy students, and Academy staff.