Official Dedication 10 A.M. Wednesday, 10/7/15 Oak Park Frederick Douglass International Academy (FDIA) Charter School
Old school is a new school...First phase $2.5 million building renovation will reestablish former John Dewey neighborhood elementary school - talented principal appointed to prepare children for achievement and future success
HARPER WOODS, Mich. and OAK PARK, Mich., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The official 10/7 dedication was announced today by Beata Chochla, President and Founder, the Hanley Harper Group Inc.(HHG), for the renovation opening of the original John Dewey Elementary School now named Frederick Douglass International Academy (FDIA) at 21700 Marlow Ave. in Oak Park, Michigan. This school in the management companyʼs growing roster welcomes students in grades PRE-K through 6.
Additionally introduced is Rashid Faisal, Ed.M, as FDIA founding principal. Faisal comes to the school with an extraordinary history in education. He served as Project Manager and Achievement Advisor for Pearson School Achievement Services, Inc., where he provided school improvement and leadership consultation to schools in metro-Detroit. Prior to joining Pearson, Faisal served as an elementary and middle school principal where he helped to transform the academic and school climate.
As FDIA principal, Rashid Faisalʼs vision is "for all students to gain an equal and equitable opportunity to graduate from high school and enroll in college." His mission is to ensure elementary-aged children gain access to a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum and learning environment. He believes that it is important to be a part of the international conversation on education for best practice in preparing students for success in the global village, one of the keynote educational philosophies of the Hanley Harper Group, management group for FDIA.
"We believe that our children, our future world citizens, need to be ready for the next century," said Chochla. "We also believe in education and data plus the new technology as it relates to education and to the components of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math.) These are important tools in our school toolbox. We also believe that our founding principal will enhance, energize and fully develop our studentsʼ potential to excel and exceed our goals. He served in this school in the past first as a teacher, then as a principal. It is a special homecoming for him to join us."
Further emphasizing the need for an elementary school in the area, Chochla explained the educational strategy of the HHG charter school group. Tuition is free for enrolled students who enjoy small class size, dedicated Michigan certified teaching staff, after school tutoring and specialized activities. Breakfast, lunch and healthy snacks will be provided to the student enrollment.
"Frederick Douglass is one of 24 public school academies authorized by Ferris State University. We are looking forward to strong interest and an exciting future for the new school," said Dr. Ronald Rizzo, Director of Charter Schools, Ferris State University.
Ferris State University is granted oversight authority for Public School Academies (PSAʼs) by Part 6A of the Revised School Code, Act 451, of 1976. Authorization of a PSA is accomplished through a contract between the authorizer and the school academy. In 1997, the FSU Board of Trustees conditionally authorized its first PSA. The University currently has 24 contracts issued to academies around the State of Michigan.
As an authorizing body, Ferris State University provides oversight through its Charter Schools Office (CSO). The CSO is responsible for monitoring compliance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract, all applicable State and federal law, and to assist the academy in all aspects of its operations, planning, and development.
The Hanley Harper Group Inc. (HHG), www.hanleyharpergroup.com, is located at 20542 Harper Ave., Harper Woods, MI. 48225; 313.347.0026; fax 313.881.3619; www.hanleyharpergroup.com.
Frederick Douglass International Academy is located at 21700 Marlow in Oak Park, Mi.; telephone 248-953-2003. Additional information about enrollment and employment is available at the schoolʼs website, www.fdi-academy.org.
Frederick Douglass International Academy (FDIA)
A Member Of The Hanley Harper Group Inc
20542 Harper Ave.; Harper Woods, MI 48225
FDIA Located At 21700 Marlow Ave; Oak Park, MI
SOURCE Frederick Douglas International Academy Charter School
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