SELECT A PROGRAM

1. What words immediately spring to mind when you think of the overall academic experience at your school?

Cranbrook Schools offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Our curriculum is designed to challenge students academically in a setting with small classes and attentive faculty. Learning is supported by the use of Smart Boards, a technology designed to place state-of-the-art tools in the classroom. Students join us from schools throughout the state of Michigan, the United States and the world, fostering engaging classroom discussion with a global perspective.

2. Would intellectually gifted students find a critical mass of kindred spirits at your school?

Cranbrook Schools offers challenging curriculum to students who are gifted in many different dimensions. Students are placed into appropriate math, science and world language classes based on transcripts, standardized test scores and Cranbrook placement tests. College level courses are offered in most academic areas through the Advanced Placement Program and includes other Honors level courses as well.

3. What is in place at your school that effectively serves talented students?

Cranbrook Schools has a highly regarded fine and performing arts program. All fine and performing arts faculty are working artists – be they musicians, master weavers, painters or singers. There are many levels of coursework available to a talented student ranging from choir to Madrigals/Master Singers to band/orchestra/ensembles to beginning, continuing and honors level courses in fine arts. Students perform in concerts and plays. The halls of the Kingswood building are a rotating gallery of student work with formal shows in place throughout the year.

4. How flexible is your academic program, schedule, course options? Please give a sense of the extent to which courses are prescribed vs. those that may be selected.

Math, science and world language course placement are based on transcripts, standardized test scores and Cranbrook placement tests for new students. Current students receive course recommendations from teachers based on classroom performance. Freshman and sophomores take the same English, history and religion classes. Higher level history and English electives become available in junior and senior years respectively. Students move through a sequence of courses designed specifically for their skills and abilities.

5. What procedures do you follow to assess a student’s capability in a subject matter in order to place him or her at an appropriate course level?

Course placement for new students is based on transcripts, standardized test scores (required by admission) and Cranbrook placement tests in math, science and world language (also history for incoming juniors and seniors). Course placement for current students is based on current teacher recommendation, performance in class and standardized test scores (SSAT and PSAT).

6. What kind of student most benefits from the academic experience at your school?

Students who have a passion for learning, an interest in pursuing activities such as arts, athletics or clubs (ranging from Model UN to student government to robotics), and a desire to be a member of an educational community will thrive at Cranbrook Schools.

7. What would you want prospective students and their families to know about your school that may not be readily apparent?

A rigorous, college preparatory curriculum is the hallmark of many schools. However, Cranbrook Schools encourages and challenges students to be their best in a collaborative environment where faculty and students work together. Cranbrook fosters strong, even collegial, relationships with faculty, and deep, life-long friendships.

8. Please feel free to add any comments about learning and living at your school.

People are what make a school great and Cranbrook attracts and retains stellar faculty. Cranbrook students not only have diverse backgrounds but they also offer many unique interests and talents to our community. Together, they create a dynamic and world-renowned learning community. Based on a 320-acre national historic landmark that includes facilities for a Pre-K-12th grade school, a science museum and an art museum, Cranbrook offers the best of private education.