Jefferson-Douglass Academy Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Jefferson-Douglass Academy is a public charter school located in Detroit, Michigan, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The academy is part of the Cornerstone Education Group, which operates several charter schools in the Detroit area.

Mission and Vision

The academy's mission is to provide an excellent education to students in a clean, safe, and nurturing environment. Highly qualified and passionate faculty and staff create lessons that are challenging, relevant, and meaningful, while caring for the whole child. The school emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and career awareness to equip students for successful futures.

Primary Area of Focus

Jefferson-Douglass Academy focuses on delivering a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with character education and career exploration. The school utilizes technology to ensure students are competitive and have opportunities to master material at their own pace. Building good character is infused in everything they do, and they expose students to career options from an early age to explore occupations that align with their purpose and passion.

Industry Significance

As a charter school, Jefferson-Douglass Academy operates within the primary and secondary education sector, contributing to the diversity and choice in educational options available to families in Detroit. Charter schools like Jefferson-Douglass Academy play a role in educational reform and innovation, offering alternatives to traditional public schools.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Academic Excellence: Providing a challenging and relevant curriculum that meets and exceeds state standards.

Character Development: Infusing character education into all aspects of the school experience.

Career Awareness: Introducing students to various career options from an early age to align their education with future aspirations.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Technology Integration: Utilizing technology to enhance learning and ensure students are competitive.

Character Education: Embedding character development into the curriculum to foster well-rounded individuals.

Career Exploration: Exposing students to various occupations to help them explore careers that align with their interests and passions.

Key Technologies Utilized

The academy employs technology to ensure students are competitive and have opportunities to master material at their own pace.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Jefferson-Douglass Academy primarily serves students in Detroit, Michigan, focusing on providing quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. The school aims to address educational needs in the community by offering an alternative to traditional public schools.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a public charter school, Jefferson-Douglass Academy receives funding through state allocations, grants, and other public sources. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

Being a public institution, the academy does not have private investors. Funding is primarily sourced from public education budgets and grants.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support educational programs, maintain facilities, and ensure the delivery of quality education to students. Specific allocation details are not publicly available.

Pipeline Development

As an educational institution, Jefferson-Douglass Academy does not have a product development pipeline. The focus is on curriculum development, educational programs, and student services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The academy utilizes technology to enhance learning experiences, though specific proprietary technologies are not detailed publicly.

Significant Scientific Methods

The school employs a multi-sensory approach to instruction, ensuring that teaching methods cater to various learning styles and needs.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Patrick Nelson: President of the Board of Directors, appointed on April 28, 2017, with a term ending on June 30, 2026.

Yvette Bing: Director, appointed on April 30, 2014, with a term ending on June 30, 2027.

David Felton: Director, appointed on April 28, 2023, with a term ending on June 30, 2028.

Marla Thrower: Director, appointed on November 6, 2020, with a term ending on June 30, 2028.

Robert Zawideh: Director, appointed on April 30, 2021, with a term ending on June 30, 2026.

Professional Backgrounds and Contributions

Specific professional backgrounds and contributions of the board members are not publicly detailed.

Leadership Changes

Recent significant changes within the leadership include the appointment of David Felton, Marla Thrower, and Robert Zawideh as directors in 2023 and 2021, respectively. Details regarding their predecessor roles and dates are not publicly available.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Detroit area has a diverse educational landscape, including traditional public schools, charter schools, and private institutions. Charter schools like Jefferson-Douglass Academy offer alternatives to traditional public education, aiming to provide innovative and specialized educational experiences.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Detroit area include other charter schools such as Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy, which serves a similar student population. Each institution offers unique programs and curricula, contributing to the competitive educational environment.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Specific collaborations and partnerships are not publicly detailed. However, as part of the Cornerstone Education Group, Jefferson-Douglass Academy benefits from shared resources and support within the network of schools.

Operational Insights

Strategic considerations include addressing challenges related to student engagement and academic performance. The academy has faced issues such as high chronic absenteeism rates and proficiency levels below state averages. Efforts are ongoing to improve these areas through curriculum enhancements and community engagement initiatives.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Opportunities for expansion include increasing enrollment and enhancing academic outcomes. By leveraging technology and character education, the academy aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for future success.