Location – 29230 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, United States
Website – https://www.aimhighschool.com/
Contact – +1 248-702-6922
At Aim High School, the commitment to empowering students through personalized education is at the forefront of their mission. The school, catering to students in grades 6-12, emphasizes a learning environment where relationships, small class sizes, and individualized attention foster growth in both academics and life skills. Through innovative programs and an inclusive atmosphere, Aim High has created a space where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of their backgrounds or challenges.
Building Relationships for Learning
One of Aim High’s most distinctive features is its emphasis on building strong relationships between students and teachers. With a maximum of eight students per class, educators can truly understand each learner’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges. This small class size creates an environment where teachers can tailor their instruction to individual students, ensuring that everyone has the support they need to succeed.
These close relationships not only enhance academic performance but also build trust. Many students at Aim High come from previous educational experiences where they may not have felt fully supported. By fostering trust, Aim High helps students rebuild their confidence and re-engage with their education. As a result, students are better equipped to process content, develop communication skills, and manage their emotions in a supportive and understanding environment.
A Research-Based Educational Model
Aim High’s educational model is built on evidence and research. In the early years of the school, the University of Michigan School of Education conducted studies on the impact of the program. The research showed significant gains in social language skills for all students, highlighting the effectiveness of Aim High’s approach. While the formal study has since ended, the school continues to use data and assessments to guide its teaching strategies and ensure that students are progressing.
For students who need additional support in social language skills, Aim High offers a Communications and Life Skills class. This course has been particularly successful in helping students improve their executive functioning, with noticeable gains in areas such as inhibition control and cognitive flexibility. By combining academic learning with life skills training, Aim High ensures that its students are prepared for both school and life beyond the classroom.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Aim High is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. With 30% of its student body representing minority groups, the school actively seeks to support students from all backgrounds. The diversity of the student population is not limited to ethnicity or race—Aim High welcomes students with a range of learning differences, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
By offering financial assistance to families in need, Aim High makes its unique program accessible to students who may not otherwise be able to afford such an educational experience. The school also works closely with mental health professionals, educators, and parent groups to ensure that all students receive the support they need.
Partnerships for Enriched Learning
Aim High values collaboration with local organizations and institutions to enhance the learning experience. One of the school’s key partnerships is with Lawrence Technological University, through which students can earn college credits in subjects such as creative writing, calculus, pre-calculus, and game programming. This dual enrollment program not only gives students a head start on their college education but also introduces them to more advanced academic opportunities.
Additionally, Aim High students participate in the Detroit Economics Club’s Career Readiness Academy. This six-month program provides high school students with essential career readiness skills, including networking, interview techniques, and personal branding. Through this experience, students develop mentor-mentee relationships with professionals in the field, gaining valuable insights that will serve them throughout their careers.
Strong Communication and Parental Involvement
At Aim High, communication between faculty, staff, students, and parents is key to student success. The school maintains an open-door policy, encouraging regular communication between teachers and parents. Weekly progress reports, detailed report cards, and frequent meetings ensure that parents are kept up to date on their child’s academic and social development.
For many students, therapists, psychologists, or other care providers also play an active role in their education. Aim High works closely with these professionals to create a cohesive support system that addresses the unique needs of each student.
Meeting Individual Learning Needs
Aim High’s approach to education is highly individualized. By focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, the school helps students develop their strengths while providing accommodations for their specific learning challenges. Teachers work closely with each student to customize the delivery of content and pace of learning, ensuring that every student is equipped to move forward at their own speed.
Assistive technologies also play a significant role in Aim High’s curriculum. Tools like MathType, OneNote, Google Read&Write, and Dropbox help students overcome challenges related to executive functioning, handwriting, and organization. These technologies allow students to focus on academic content without being held back by physical or learning barriers.
Supporting Student Well-Being and Mental Health
Recognizing the importance of mental health, Aim High places a strong emphasis on student well-being. Each student is paired with a mentor who provides guidance and support throughout their school experience. This mentorship model helps students build trust and develop social and emotional skills that will serve them in adulthood.
Physical activity, mindfulness, and meditation are also integrated into the school day to help students manage the stresses of daily life. These practices teach students healthy ways to cope with challenges, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
Encouraging Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving
Aim High fosters creativity and problem-solving through real-world applications. The school’s life skills program offers hands-on experiences such as negotiating at a pawn shop, changing the oil in a car, and managing a budget. These practical skills are complemented by creative pursuits like cooking, where students plan menus, shop for ingredients, and prepare meals together.
The school store provides another opportunity for students to develop critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills. During lunch, students run the store, managing inventory, marketing, and customer service.
Vision for the Future
As Aim High looks to the future, its goal remains the same: to provide a supportive environment where students with learning and social differences can discover their true potential. The school plans to continue expanding learning opportunities, fostering community engagement, and ensuring that its program is accessible to all students, regardless of financial status.
In a world where traditional educational models may not meet the needs of all students, Aim High School offers a personalized, inclusive, and innovative approach that prepares students for success both in school and in life.