Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Academy supported? As a public school in Michigan, the Academy receives state school aid and federal funds. It received start-up funding from Ford Motor Company and receives continuing support from Ford Motor Company and The Henry Ford. It also actively seeks additional financial support through fundraising and grantwriting.

How can I tell if the Academy is a quality institution? In addition to satisfying or exceeding all state and federal requirements, the Academy is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

How will the academic calendar be structured? The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June with appropriate vacations, including winter and spring breaks. Students will attend an Academy orientation as part of the regular class schedule starting in mid-August. Activities will focus on learning more abut The Henry Ford, team building, daily life at the Academy, and assessment of skill levels.

What is a school day like? The school day begins at 8:45am and ends at 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, but no two days are exactly the same. With the a campus so full of technology, information, tools, and opportunities for learning, students engage in a variety of activities from traditional academic studies to team-based projects. All students receive daily instruction in core academic content. Students also have regular access to professionals from The Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company, other businesses, and area colleges and universities.

What about transportation? The Academy does not provide transportation to and from school for its statudents. Many Academy students travel to school on public transportation. In addition, many parents and guardians provide transportation for children individually and through carpools. Students with a valid driver's license may drive to school.

Where will class take place? Learning studios and project laboratories are located in the Museum and Village Campuses. Students learn throughout the entire Museum and Village, as well as in the greater community. The Academy is truely about experiencing things and teaching students to apply their knowledge of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies to solve real-world problems.

Where will students eat lunch? Ninth grade students eat in the Henry Ford Museum employee cafeteria. Tenth, eleventh, and twelth grade students eat in a cafeteria on the Village Campus. All students may purchase their lunches from a reduce-price, ala carte menu or they may bring their lunches. The Academy participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Can I view the HFA's P.A 25 Report?
We have made our P.A 25 Report available to the public.