Magnets and Specialty Buildings
Westerman PreSchool and Family Center
The Westerman Preschool and Family Center is comprised of several programs that serve preschool age students. Enrollment into the Preschool is ongoing throughout the year. These programs include:
- Early Intervention - For children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for developmental delays or have diagnosed disabilities.
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) - For students ages 3 to 5 with diagnosed disabilities.
- Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) - For 4 year old students by December 1, with identified risk factors as defined by MDE risk factors.
- Head Start - For students ages 3 and 4 (priority given to 4 year olds) whose family income is below federal poverty guidelines.
- Community Special Education Services - intervention for students needing speech and language services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or teacher consultant services but who are not eligible for the AAPS preschool program.
- AAPs also offers tuition preschool programming at Allen, Mitchell, and Thurston Elementary Schools.
Ann Arbor Open @ Mack School (K-8)
Parents and Teachers founded Ann Arbor Open in the belief that children come to school already immersed in their learning and have their own strengths and interests. We seek to support the individual and provide guidance, stimulation, and support. As an open school, Ann Arbor Open promotes social and emotional development. Children learn to share knowledge and feelings, to solve interpersonal problems, to develop common goals, and to respect each other's values. The emphasis is on challenging students individually based on cooperation rather than competition. Freedom, responsibility, self-discipline, and consideration of others are learned by daily practice. When combined with the richness of the school's diverse population and a daily commitment to multicultural education, these various components challenge the barriers of sexism, racism, and classism. NOTE: enrollment at Ann Arbor Open is not open to School of Choice applicants.
A2 STEAM at Northside (K-8)
Integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) education to enrich kindergarten through 8th grade learning for Ann Arbor Public Schools students.
Community High School
CHS is one of the oldest public magnet schools in the country. CHS is a rigorous academic college preparatory magnet school which encourages students to use the entire community as a resource for study and fosters the development of independent learners who practice personal and social responsibility as they prepare for their post-secondary experience. Our Community Resources (CR) program is the best of its kind. CHS is committed to facilitate innovative learning in the classroom as well as in the community. Our open campus environment fosters and encourages self-initiated learning opportunities. Students design their own coursework, and sometimes their own courses. NOTE: enrollment at Community High is not open to School of Choice applicants.
Skyline High School Magnet Programs
The magnet programs at Skyline High School are introduced to all freshman students within the context of their regular academic core classes. This exploration will provide both a chance to better understand the themes and learning environments of the magnets and will also give all students an opportunity to consider their own personal interests so that, whether they select a magnet or not, they will begin to think of the choices and opportunities in their futures. Magnet program enrollment begins with an application process during the ninth grade year with the coursework starting during the tenth grade year. Students from all AAPS schools are welcome to apply.
- Health and Medicine - Biomedical Sciences
- Design Technology and Environmental Planning
- Communication, Media and Public Policy
- Business, Marketing and Information Technology
Magnet programs provide students with instructional continuity, a focus on complex thinking and applied knowledge, and a chance to sample the real world connection of academics and personal skills to problem solving and achievement. Each magnet program has developed partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme
IB programmes challenge students to excel in their studies, and encourage both personal and academic achievement. Through IB programmes, IB students are encouraged to try different approaches to learning and to take responsibility for their own educational progress. AAPS is in the process of implementing IB programming at Mitchell Elementary School, Scarlett Middle School and Huron High School.
The IB is different from other curricula because it:
- encourages students to think critically and challenge what they are told
- is independent of governments and national systems, and therefore able to incorporate best practice from a range of international frameworks and curricula
- encourages students to consider both their local and international environment.
In order to teach IB programmes, schools must be authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Every school authorized to offer IB programmes is known as an IB World School. The AAPS IB Programme will be fully implemented in school year 2016-17.
Pathways to Success Academic Campus
Pathways is a high school campus for students preferring a smaller, more intimate academic environment. Through multiple pathways and flexible learning opportunities students can learn in a traditional instructional model, online, or project-based setting. Students also have the opportunity for community internships and dual enrollment earning college credit. Pathways students will meet all the Michigan Merit Curriculum High School graduation requirements.
A2 Virtual+ Academy
Online learning option available to all public, non-public and homeschool students in Grades 5-12.