Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit

I love this school! The students, parents, and staff are wonderful. I wish they had a high school.

Nataki is a great school. I have been going there since I was in kindergarden. Over the years the school has changed. The principle unlike other comments is great. She is supportive and very nice. My problem is that they are starting to let in very bad people. It seems like they don't even care who they let in. Also some of the teachers give tests without even noticing the student or notice us 2 days in advanced. The office staff is very nice though.

This school has changed since 2010, The Principle has new rules, they don't care about the kids only the teachers. When the students finish the 8th grade they will not have a graduation. The school all of a sudden dont believe in graduations. The students are not allowed to discuss or have a birthday wish. They celebrate Nataki Talibah birthday the owner of the school child who passed away 30 yrs ago. Every teacher select their own teaching method, if your child is advanced more than others they will get board because they will have to learn the same as the other students. The uniforms are very expensive they require 3 sets which cost about $300.00 per student.

I am a former teacher of Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit. With every job there are flaws. I have nothing but very rewarding and rich memories of my experience here. Being at Nataki taught me to be resourceful, creative, and excited about the learning experience. My children thrived because I thrived along with them. Although I can truly say I was an excellent teacher with a huge love for my parents and students what disappointed me most is the fact that the school leader did not think to ask why I was leaving or good bye for that matter. Even though this was a damper I will never forget the experience. I carry the skills, the experience, attitude, and the motivation with me at my new school and I am blessed to say that good teachers bring positive energy.
—Submitted by a teacher

My son and I love Nataki! The teachers are not only qualified and hard working but sincere. He has excelled in all areas because the school environment is set up to do just that, allow students to be educated with a wholistic approach. The whole child is educated in more than just the three Rs! This school is in the business of educating citizens for the world to love.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started attending NTSD as a kindergartener and will be entering the 4th grade this fall. We love this school. Although there has been some teacher turnover over the years, I find the teachers to be caring, dedicated and committed to excellence. They have a very strong Parent Group which supports the school like no other organization I have ever seen. Along with field trips for the students, the school/parent group plans family events, such as the Annual Family Weekend Trip. The school celebrates no holidays except Kwanzaa, which is filled with activities for both parents and students. I ve heard parents complain that we don t do Black History Month in the school EVERYDAY is Black History day in the school. From the Kindergarteners to the 8th graders, the students are always immersed in the rich history of their ancestors. Philanthropy is also a big part of the NTSD culture. This school teaches the students how to be global citizens of the future. I am blessed to have found such a wonderful school for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

Nataki is a wonderful school. My son is a 4th grader and has attended since kindergarten. He has learned many lessons outside of the traditional educational experience. I have recommended this school to several friends and they have transferred their children to Nataki. The programs, projects, parent involvement are spectacular. Wonderful family oriented environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school for it's curricula, the teachers are amazing and always involved with my child. The only negative thing I can say is that their tardy policy is ridiculous! I really don't want to take my child out of this school but I'm really on the verge of doing so if they don't change the policy!
—Submitted by a parent

Our family is completing its 9th year at Nataki Talibah this year. We continue to love the philosophy and mission of the school that encompasses our entire family. Nataki Talibah consistently provides a well rounded education that prepares students for the academic, social and economic demands of our society. This school also continues to grow and expand in its development, totally embracing the culture of change. I considered many options before choosing a place for my children. I have yet to find a place that addresses their learning, development and existence in a better way.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves Nataki, ans is looking forward to first grade in September 09 school year. There are three children with some serious issues in his class, due to a lack of parental discpline at home. The spitting, punching, bulling, goes on without being corrected. I will give them another year to see how they handle matters, because I do like the teachers, but if they do not follow the rules they have outlined in their own hand book, my son will be pulled from this school. Nataki really could be a great school with the right people running it.
—Submitted by a parent

I taught at nataki for over 2 ears and would give this school one star. That star would be for its excellent teacher. Nataki hires great teachers, however they are so horrible to their teachers that they become unmotivated and most of then leave. If you are looking for a school to send your child I would look elsewhere. If you are looking for a place to work please... look elsewhere!
—Submitted by a teacher

Nataki is the best school in Detroit. Because the curriculum, teachers and leadership empowers the students to be independent minded citizens for this great country.
—Submitted by a teacher

I also am a former teacher of Nataki. I choose to leave this school for many reasons. The new leadership in the school is lacking in many areas including ' people skills' they ignore major problems in the school and with the students. There really is no outline for what should be taught. The school is 100% African American, yet no African American history is taught. The school does not teach tolerance, look somewhere else.
—Submitted by a teacher

It sounds as if the previous review was submitted by a disgruntled employee. How brave of you to hide behind this email. Nataki did loose a few teachers this year as did many schools throughout the area. I am not stating the school is perfect there is definitely room for improvement. Specifically with discipline of problem students and keeping the best teachers. I plan to give Nataki one more year to determine whether it is the right fit for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

as a former teacher of this school for many years I urge you not to end your child to this school. There is no plan for what is taught, no books, and no discipline. as a teacher, you teach what you want and skip what you want. The school places huge emphasis on the ' shows' they put on and hardly any on academics ( please look up meap scores). Those running the school have no idea how to run a school or a business. The teacher turnover is huge- 50% of the teachers left this year. Please stay away.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have been a Nataki parent for six years, at one time I had three children now there are two children at the school. I am extremely disappointed with the lack of importance placed on academics. The curriculum lacks important ELA elements for grades K-2 such as: teaching begining readers phonics and and decoding skills. I cannot count how many times I have had to reteach an entire lesson to my child that should have been taught in school. I would like to have a book, or a website or even a teacher's phone number to reference when reteaching a lesson to my children. I am going to miss the 'community' feeling of the school but, even that seems to be lacking as of late. Kimberly Mckay parent
—Submitted by a parent

I give Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit 5 stars. Life and school is more than academics. It's thinking outside of the box, teamwork, thought provoking, inspiring, nurturing, and innovativation. NTSD comprises all these attributes and more. I am proud to be apart of this school, it's culture, philosophy, and family and all 4 of my children are excelling.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two children at NTSD, now I have one. In my six year experience at NTSD the parents lack of involvement has been my biggest complaint. This could be the great school it was if the parents stepped up and did their part.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school- terrible curriculium.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is going to first grade at Nataki this coming school year. I hope this year is as joyful as the last. Since he started at Nataki, he has been developing his reading and math skills to my total satisfaction. He has also become more outgoing when it comes to other children as a result of the culture at Nataki.
—Submitted by a parent