Detroit Merit Charter Academy

This school is a prime example of what happens when too many students enter into a school without structure and a historic academia and leadership support system. With Many DPS schools closing in the area DMA has had a large influx of students. Under the direction of the new leadership team the past few years, the stern support system of values, academics and respect has fallen tremendously. I would also argue that many students grades have suffered as well. Much of the staff that had students enrolled have also removed their students from the school as well over the past several years much of which is due to the entire system failing. The teaching staff has gone from engaging to passing the time to even pathetic in many areas. I would no longer recommend this school of National Heritage Academies
—Submitted by a parent

DMA is an awsome school...The teachers try to make us,the students achieve. Kids from DMA now go to awsome highschools. Some go to liggit or international. This year im going to aplly to those schools and cranbrook. This year im in 6th grade i love my teacher Ms.Dean. I have been at DMA since kindergarten and i have always been in proficient classes. I would really reccomend this school.Chanel Williams=D

To agree with the parent who wrote a reveiw on 6/14/2011, I totally agree with her reveiw DMA has really gone down in every way since Ms.Benser has left...My daughter has taken her child on put him else where....i hear that the kids are involed in alot of fights there now....they dod not have as much respect for the staff as before.

This school really was an exceptional school when my child first started there. I was very dissapointed this last year because the leadership at this school has went down since the change of the principal/assistant principals. The teachers seem to lack the care and concern for the children that they had in previous years. I was also dissapointed in some of the teachers inability to control the discipline problesms. The academic program is challenging for the students but I think they are missing the key elements that made them excel under the previous leadership. They pushed so hard after realizing they were not on track in the middle of the year (which I believe was due to lack of leadership) I think they not only burned the students out I also think they burned the teachers out too. Not sure if we will remain here.
—Submitted by a parent

I heard so many positive things about DMA, I really expected something wonderful when enrolling my children. Unfortunately I found out it's not better or worse than any of the other charter schools in the the area. My kids previously attended Winans Acadmey which seems to have a more nurturing environment. DMA is more focused on the cirriculum which is great, but elementary aged kids need both. My children have been bullied at this school, and that's disappointing. There have been virtually no field trips this year. On the positive my children seem to be doing well academically. For some reason the school calls their eigth grade dance a prom, which I feel takes away from what prom really is or should be. Socially the children seem to far too advanced for their ages, I have seen and over heard behavior I consider to be inappropriate for this age group. I love the staff, the teachers are awesome and the assistant principals seem to truly care. The school principal however, I've never even met her out side of my very first to the school. I don't know if I will be reenrolling or not. I have changed schools once and don't want to keep switching things up on tmy kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Hi. I am a student from dm and I just want to say this school is an Exellent school to enroll in. It challenges students to push the envolope and to succed. I am currently in 8th grade and will soon be graduating. Now I am doing 9/10 grade Math!!! It prepares us for high school and collge, and the staff are cool! They have us apply for GREAT high schools early, and teach us important moral such as wisdom, integrity, pudence, and so on. This is a great school! Shout out to Ms. Comer!!
—Submitted by a student

I am a proud parent! my son has attended DMC from opening day! I love what this school it has given my son soooo much! He does excellent!!!
—Submitted by a parent

they really have great forein language also the teachers are all qualified for the job a down point is they don't have a gym
—Submitted by a parent

Best School Ever! The Students Get Along Great With The Entire Staff And All Together It's Just A Great School.It's Academically Great And Behaviorally Great.The Staff Gives The Students That Push They Need If They Need It And They Want Nothing Best The Best For Their Students! I Would Suggest This School If You Want Your Child To Have A Bright Future! Sincerely,Rashad Williams
—Submitted by a student

I love this school! DMA has provided a great education for my son since Kindergarten and now will be doing the same for my daughter. When my son needed tutoring DMA provided that free of charge! When he needed extra help and needed to be in a summer program to not be held back, DMA helped with that also! What other schools offer so much for so little in return! This school does not just pass your child on to the next grade when they cannot do the work like many schools do, they help them, and I appreciate that. I have never seen discipline problems at this school and have in fact seen DMA students behave better that students at my daughters school (Cornerstone). Thank you DMA, and Ms. Benser for providing a GREAT school! Sincerly the Rahmaan family
—Submitted by a parent

I think Merit Academy is an excellent school. Yes the children are concerned about their color and the parents should be as well. I think the color system is excellent because it lets the parents know how their child is behaving. It is up to the parent to enforce rules about the color their child was on and discipline them when their behavior is out of control. The education that my son received at Merit is excellent. I would recommend a parent to send their child to Merit.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is high on structure and low on discipline. The children are overwhelmingly concerned with what 'color' they are for the day as opposed to what they actually have learned. If you're looking for a balance in discipline and structure, this is not the school for your child.I have never seen an environment where teachers have no clue how to control their class or establish order, other than getting rid of the 'bad' kids. I'm glad I pulled my son out. He's doing great at his new school and we've had zero problems with his 'behavior.' Overall, DMA is better for grades 5-8, not little ones.
—Submitted by a parent

I really love this school :) I have been attending DMA since the first year. DMA has grown extremely. The cirriculum is wonderful. And the teachers are great. The thing i love most about the school is how much they chalenge us to do better. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

Detroit Merit Academy is a good school. We are extremely pleased with the academic standards at Merit. We initially had some concerns when we enrolled our children, but over the years, the Principal and staff have worked diligently to provide our children with the best services possible. Having visited some of the classes, the junior high classes were very structured! Our oldest has special needs and the principal not only hired an individual to work with him, but put everything in place to guarantee the best education and support possible. Our children are challenged, and not neglected! We know that the best support is revealed when parents and staff work collectively!
—Submitted by a parent

Having three children that attend this school, I would have t say that I am very pleased with there academic progress overall. They far surpass the Detroit Public schools in our old neighborhood. We have since moved out of Detroit, but will continue to send our kids to Detroit Merit Academy. The middle school counselor has my daughter on a very successful path for High school. The curriculum they offer as well as the specialized attention to children that learn at all levels and paces is what keeps me coming back year after year.
—Submitted by a parent

Having two nephews that attend Merit Academy, I can truly say that I am pleased at the Teachers and their willingness to go above and beyond the 'Call of Duty' to educate the children in such a great atmosphere. I am proud to say that Merit Academy has given the Caine Family, something to smile about. Keep up the good work. Again, thanks for your continued educational support!
—Submitted by Terri Gamlin, a teacher

This is in response to the parent who indicates that her child has fallen through the cracks. My child has been diagnosed ADHD and various medications we've tried have not worked so far. The teacher has been very understanding and works with me on helping my child succeed in class. Communication is key when working with a diagnosed child and I have not had any problems communicating and seeking extra support for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion, the school does a great job on the academic content, as long as your child 'fits the mold' of a 'normal' student. They struggle with children who are behaviorally or mentally challenged because of a lack of experienced staff. If your child has ADD, ADHD or some other 'disability' I think they may fall between the cracks. Keep your eyes and ears open.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically the school is pretty good. The principal and support staff provide adequate leadership. From what I can see, most of the staff are hardworking, and there seems to be great checks and balances. Many parents help out, which is essential. The school has a great communication program between parents and teachers. This is what all public schools should offer. My children appreciate the organization and the constant feedback on their work. There are some schools that will not give feedback until report card day! After speaking with parents that have their children in Ann Arbor school district, and other neighboring districts or charter schools, I think Detroit Merit Academy is quite comparable. If you are looking for a good place to start your children, DMA is a great choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school with strong academics. The loud blasting music, and blocked traffic must end. Furthermore, this school needs air conditioning in the spring through fall. My children nearly bake on the second floor. Ms. Benser is doing a great job but I wish we could raise funds for a cooling system, and one more wing so that the junior high students could spread out, and so that the students could attend gym in their own building.
—Submitted by a parent