Henry Ford Academy...Public School in a Public Place
Inspired by Henry Ford’s “Learning by Doing” philosophy, Henry Ford Academy has been at the forefront of innovative teaching and active learning for over 25 years. HFA is truly one-of-a-kind--we do school like nobody else!
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A School in a Museum
Simply put, there is no other school like HFA. Located within The Henry Ford, a world-renowned history destination, HFA continuously integrates the unique assets of Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village into its curriculum. Each day students experience and learn from historical artifacts, exhibits, and programs found nowhere else in the world. From custom-designed courses to “just being here,” every day is a field trip at HFA.
Preparing for the Real World
Developing critical thinkers, life-long learners, and responsible citizens. Preparing them for college, career, and the global community. This is our mission at HFA. We focus on developing the 21st Century Skills our graduates need to succeed in the world today. Extensive use of project-based learning provides hands-on, real-life problem-solving experience. A rigorous Senior Practicum enables students to explore careers through internships with local businesses. Study abroad in German and Spanish courses. College dual enrollment opportunities. Community service. All examples of how our students connect with the world beyond HFA--before they leave our campus.
Innovation, Inspiration
How we teach; what students learn--innovation. We are immersed in it. Our halls tell the stories of America’s great technological, industrial, and social innovators--Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Wright Brothers, H.J. Heinz, Steve Wozniak, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, and more. Their experience inspires HFA’s many and varied courses emphasizing innovation. Our Design Thinking programs challenge HFA students to innovate and explore the boundaries of their creativity. Our award-winning robotics team puts STEM into action. Have a new idea?...take a risk...learn from mistakes...try again...persevere...make it better.
Kids Come First
Everyone is welcome--we are state-funded; our admissions are by lottery; our tuition is free. We are a community diverse in race and ethnicity, the neighborhoods we call home, our prior school experience, our strengths and interests. We thrive on our differences and learn from each others’ perspectives. As a small school where “everybody knows your name,” our staff and students form strong, lasting bonds. We understand that students can thrive when they feel secure, cared for and valued, and are committed to creating that environment. Learn to love, love to learn--we strive for both.
Stability through Strong Partners
The Henry Ford. Ford Motor Company. Wayne RESA. In the ever-changing field of education--where school financing, standards, performance measurement, and other ground rules are continuously evolving--we benefit from the ongoing commitment of our strong, reliable, stable founding partners. Their long-term support has provided a solid foundation on which HFA consistently delivers high quality education even through the most turbulent times.
