First, grab a tissue!

Okay - now hit play.

Hi friend!

Happy end of 2023. (: 

This year feels big and fun. Our adult team is our most accomplished group yet. Our kids are laughing more than ever, and according to the data, DAA had the strongest academic start in school history. 

None of this luck, though. It has taken 11 years of constantly convincing a lot of folks what could be possible for kids in Detroit (and sometimes we had to squint our eyes extra hard to envision it ourselves). But you did this. You never left our side. And it’s better than we could have ever dreamt of. 

So pop that new air freshener in your car, pin this video on your browser, and continue to remind yourselves of what's possible with a big heart, an unshakeable village, and a little bit of risk. 

The future smells great, doesn’t it? (Get it?!)

Love,

BIG WINS FOR DAA IN 2023!

  • WE CUT OUR RIBBON!

    On Saturday, June 17th, 2023 Chief James Harris (Detroit Fire Department), Sergeant Crystal Johns (Detroit Neighborhood Police), Officer Baron Coleman (Detroit Neighborhood Police), Peggy Noble (President of the College Park Community Association), and Kyle Smitley (Detroit Achievement Academy Founder) cut the ribbon of our newly expanded building, cheered on by dozens of our earliest and proudest friends!

  • OUR 8TH GRADERS GOT BIG NEWS!

    In Detroit Achievement Academy’s third eighth grade promotion ceremony on June 17th, B. Donta Truss, GVSU Vice President for enrollment development and educational outreach, announced that two legal guardians of each graduate will also gain access to admission and tuition at Grand Valley State University!

  • WE WERE ANNOUNCED AS YASS PRIZE SEMIFINALISTS!

    The Yass Prize is considered the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation”! Thousands of education providers, including a diverse array of schools and community organizations across the country apply each year. A $1 Million cash prize will be awarded to the education provider which best demonstrates the sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless principles.

MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR WORK!

  • OUR GYM!

    Our gym has been a service to not only our students, but to our broader community (like Birth Detroit and GOAL Line!). We are working to raise the money for its finishing touches such as: bleachers, folding chairs, and a volleyball system! Support our gym campaign here!

  • OUR FARM!

    Our vision is to develop a cafeteria-focused production farm onsite for our students to grow food for their school lunches and greater community. Help us secure funding to hire a Farmer by the Spring of 2024 here!

  • OUR SCHOOL SUPPLY WISHLISTS!

    We are always accepting donated school supplies to provide to teachers and students! Check out our Amazon Wishlist here to help us stay stocked on our most-needed items!