ABOUT US

Empowering scholars, inspiring excellence and transforming Futures at DCP Harper Woods

About

DCP Harper Woods

Welcome to Discovery Creative Pathways (DCP) – Harper Woods, a tuition-free, K–8 public charter school managed by Phalen Leadership Academies. We provide a safe, caring, and engaging environment where every scholar is encouraged to learn, lead, and grow. Our data-driven instruction, comprehensive after-school programs, and personalized support help each child reach their full potential. Beyond academics, we build character, leadership, and community through hands-on learning and family partnerships. At DCP Harper Woods, we’re committed to nurturing confident, compassionate scholars—prepared to thrive in school, in life, and as future leaders in their communities.

DCP Harper Woods female scholar smiling at the camera.
DCP Harper Woods Principal Erika Dietz.

Erika Dietz

Principal

Contact Principal Dietz

Email erika.dietz@dcpschools.org
DCP Harper Woods logo.

Marvalisa King

Office Manager

Contact Marvalisa King

Main Office: 313-640-0060
Email marvakisa.king@dcpschools.org
DCP Harper Woods logo.

Tiffany Williams

Attendance Clerk

Contact Tiffany Williams

Main Office: 313-640-0060
Email tiffany.williams@dcpschools.org

Redefining public education — empowering scholars, strengthening communities

Our Mission

At DCP Harper Woods, we empower each child to grow into an enthusiastic, critical-thinking scholar who is prepared for the future.

Our Vision

Our vision is to offer an inclusive partnership that inspires life-long learning. We strive to cultivate an atmosphere where children can thrive in academic excellence, emotional awareness, and social growth that empowers our DCP scholars.

Growth

Exceeded CMU’s Median Growth Goal in Mathematics, reaching the 62nd percentile on NWEA and showing strong academic progress across grade levels.

Literacy

Achieved the highest DIBELS performance network-wide, successfully moving scholars toward reading proficiency.

Leadership

Launched the National Junior Honor Society, celebrating scholar excellence in academics, character, and service.

Together, these achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, character development, and creating opportunities for every DCP Harper Woods scholar to learn, lead, and thrive.

Partners in Excellence

Phalen Leadership Academies scholar at graduation with Earl Martin Phalen, Founder and CEO.

ABOUT

Phalen Leadership Academies

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is a nonprofit network of public schools committed to helping children excel academically and grow in character. PLA partners with schools like DCP Harper Woods to provide rigorous instruction, strong family engagement, and a caring environment where every scholar can thrive.

Authorized by

Central Michigan University

DCP Harper Woods is proudly authorized by Central Michigan University (CMU), a statewide leader in public education oversight. CMU supports our mission by promoting academic excellence, accountability, and innovation for all scholars.

DCP Harper Woods is proudly authorized by Central Michigan University (CMU).

A holistic, evidence-based model for educational excellence that impacts scholars, families and communities.

Sports Programs

Ready to Help Your Child Succeed?

Enroll at DCP Harper Woods

 

Our data-driven instructional approach ensures every scholar receives personalized, engaging instruction that promotes academic growth and confidence. Through small-group learning and hands-on projects, we prepare scholars to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with purpose.

DCP Harper Woods offers a variety of enriching opportunities, including comprehensive after-school programs, student leadership activities, and extracurricular clubs that support the whole child. Scholars benefit from 1:1 technology access, free nutritious meals, safe transportation, and a complimentary summer learning program through Summer Advantage. 

Academic Excellence

Our dedicated teachers deliver rigorous, standards-based instruction that challenges scholars to think critically and problem-solve.

Family Engagement

Families partner with us through open communication, events, and community connections that strengthen scholar success.

Data-Driven Success

We use real-time data and research-based strategies to personalize learning and meet the unique needs of every scholar.

Our Commitment

At DCP Harper Woods, we set high expectations in a safe, caring environment that builds confidence, character, and a lasting love for learning.

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act protects scholars from discrimination based on their lack of a permanent residence. Homeless Scholars are eligible to receive a variety of services including: transportation services, free meals under the school nutrition programs, limited English proficiency class, gifted and talented programs, and special education services based on a scholar’s eligibility. Homeless Scholars will not be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency. Please consult the McKinney-Vento Act Liaison if you need assistance. The PLA Network does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or national origin in any employment and/or educational opportunity. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity for which the PLA Network Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The PLA Network values diversity. Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is committed to making its websites accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities, and strives to ensure accessibility currently and as new technologies emerge. PLA welcomes questions and input on its sites' accessibility at each development phase. Please contact our Call Center at 888.655.0777 or submit feedback to Communications@PhalenAcademies.org if you encounter an issue accessing any portion of the network's websites.

Click here to learn more about the network's digital accessibility efforts.