Chapter 1: Yes We Can— Even in Detroit: Quality education, High Academic Achievement, and service-learning¹

Public education in Detroit has long been derided for its abysmal outcomes— low graduation rates, inadequate facilities, dreadful drop-out rates, etcand so on. Complicated by a contentious relationship between the traditional public school system and the rise of charter schools, some would argue that innovative educational reform in Detroit is only a dream. Nonetheless, this chapter highlights two charter schools whothat have designed innovative educational experiences grounded in high academic standards and community-service learning. Having received state and national recognition, both schools represent the YES WE CAN in the city of Detroit.