The Scholar Experience
Inspiring scholars to learn, grow, and lead.
The DCP Scholar Experience
From Day One to Graduation and Beyond
At DCP Harper Woods, the scholar experience goes far beyond academics. As a tuition-free, K–8 public charter school in Harper Woods, Michigan, we nurture the whole child—mind, body, and character—through personalized instruction, engaging enrichment opportunities, and a safe, caring environment. Every scholar is known, supported, and encouraged to grow into a confident learner and compassionate leader.
Families are essential partners in our journey. Together, we inspire scholars to achieve excellence, embrace curiosity, and make a positive impact within our school and the Harper Woods community.
Where Care Meets Excellence
Erika Dietz, Principal
“When scholars walk through the doors of DCP Harper Woods, they’re stepping into a community that truly sees them, supports them, and believes in their potential. Our team is dedicated to creating a safe, caring environment where every child is challenged to grow, lead with confidence, and take pride in their learning and accomplishments.”
Hallmarks of
The DCP Harper Woods Experience
DCP Harper Woods’ proven model ensures every scholar receives a high-quality, well-rounded education built on safety, care, and academic excellence.
Strong Academics & Personalized Learning
Every scholar benefits from rigorous, data-driven instruction tailored to their individual needs. Through small-group learning, one-on-one support, and technology integration, our teachers help scholars master core skills and reach their full potential.
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Nick Watson
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Enrichment & After-School Programs
DCP Harper Woods offers a variety of after-school activities and enrichment opportunities—from athletics to drama, art, and community service. These programs inspire teamwork, creativity, and leadership beyond the classroom.
Safe, Supportive, and Nurturing Environments
Safety and care are at the heart of everything we do. Our staff builds trusting relationships and provides a positive environment where scholars feel valued, respected, and encouraged to take on new challenges with confidence.
Caring Teachers & Mentorship
Our teachers are mentors who invest deeply in every scholar’s success. Through encouragement, goal-setting, and accountability, they nurture confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning.
Data Analyst
Nick Watson
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Character & Leadership Development
DCP Harper Woods prepares scholars for success in school and in life. Leadership programs, service-learning projects, and extracurricular opportunities help students build problem-solving skills, empathy, and a sense of civic responsibility.
Family & Community Partnership
Strong family and community connections are essential to scholar success. Through open communication, events, and partnerships like Skilled US and Summer Advantage, we support both scholar learning and family growth.
What Families Can Expect
from the DCP Harper Woods Experience
Families choose DCP Harper Woods for a school that feels safe, caring, and connected—where scholars are supported, challenged, and inspired every day. From rigorous academics to enriching programs, we help every child reach their full potential and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.
Where Every Child Belongs
Our school is built on safety, care, and respect. Every scholar is valued and supported in a space that celebrates individuality and community.
Innovative Classrooms
We blend technology, small-group learning, and hands-on projects to make lessons engaging, relevant, and effective for every scholar.
Character & Leadership
We help scholars build strong character and leadership skills by promoting empathy, integrity, and responsibility.
Academic Excellence for All
Our data-driven curriculum and personalized instruction ensure that every scholar receives the support and challenge they need to excel and grow.
Joyful Learning Environments
From art and music to athletics, clubs, and family events, DCP Harper Woods creates meaningful experiences that make learning fun and memorable.
Empowered Educators
Our dedicated teachers receive ongoing coaching, training, and tools to deliver high-quality instruction and inspire every scholar to succeed.
Empowering Scholars, Strengthening Families,
Transforming Communities
At DCP Harper Woods, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through programs like Skilled US and Summer Advantage, we equip both children and adults with the tools to thrive—helping families gain stability, scholars stay on track, and communities build brighter futures. Together, we’re creating opportunities that change lives across generations.
Build a Brighter Future with Skilled US
skilledus.org
Through Skilled US, DCP Harper Woods extends its mission beyond the classroom—empowering parents and adult family members (ages 17+) to build stable, rewarding careers. This FREE job training program offers hands-on instruction, career coaching, and direct connections to employers in high-demand industries. Graduates of Skilled US programs earn $45,000 or more per year, creating greater financial stability for their families and stronger foundations for their children’s success. When parents thrive, scholars thrive. Click below to learn more and start your journey toward a new career today.
Enroll in our free 5-week Summer Advantage Program
SummerAdvantage.org
DCP Harper Woods partners with Summer Advantage to keep scholars learning, growing, and thriving year-round. This FREE, research-based summer program helps prevent learning loss and boosts academic achievement through hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun activities that spark curiosity. While most students lose ground over the summer, DCP Harper Woods scholars gain skills, confidence, and friendships that carry into the next school year. Families love the joy, structure, and inspiration their children experience every day. Click below to learn more and give your child the gift of a summer that makes a difference.
DCP Harper Woods’
FAMILY JOURNEY
At DCP Harper Woods, education is more than academics, it’s a family journey of growth, opportunity, and transformation. From a scholar’s first day in Kinder to their middle school graduation and beyond, we empower entire families through love, high expectations, and excellence. Scholars receive a world-class education focused on reading, math, and social-emotional growth, while parents gain access to career training and support through Skilled US. Together, these experiences create confident, college- and career-ready graduates and thriving families who uplift their communities for generations to come.
The Scholar Journey Through DCP Harper Woods (K–8)
From the first day of Kindergarten through 8th Grade, our scholars experience a transformative education rooted in love, high expectations, and academic excellence. Our classrooms build strong foundations in reading, math, and social-emotional growth while nurturing leadership, service, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Summer Advantage
Learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Through our partnership with Summer Advantage, scholars stay engaged and inspired all summer long with hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun experiences that boost achievement and prevent learning loss.
Skilled US
With Skilled US, we extend an opportunity beyond the classroom—offering free career training for parents and adult family members (ages 17+). Graduates often earn $45,000 or more per year, building financial stability, confidence, and a stronger foundation for their children’s success.
Beyond Graduation & Community Impact
The DCP Haper Woods experience transforms entire families. Alumni, parents, and partners become leaders and advocates who strengthen their neighborhoods and inspire the next generation—creating a lasting legacy of learning, growth, and opportunity.
“Choosing DCP Harper Woods was the best decision we made. My child is thriving, and I feel part of a family that believes in their potential.”
— DCP Harper Woods Parent
“Being a scholar at DCP Harper Woods is exciting. I’m learning, making friends, and getting ready for the life I want after graduation.”
— DCP Harper Woods Scholar
“At DCP Harper Woods, we combine academic rigor with genuine care, helping every scholar reach their full potential.”
— Erika Dietz, Principal
“DCP Harper Woods changed our lives. My child is thriving in school, and through Skilled US, I found a career that lets me provide more for my family.”
— DCP Harper Woods Parent
“PLA and Summer Advantage make learning exciting. I’m getting smarter every day and can’t wait to come back each summer.”
— DCP Harper Woods Scholar
“Being a scholar at DCP Harper Woods has taught me confidence, leadership, and school pride. I love my school!”
— DCP Harper Woods Scholar
"Together with PLA, Skilled US helps parents build skills, earn more, and model success for their children—strengthening families from the inside out."
— Kristi Williamson, Executive Director
“I’ve learned that being a leader means helping others, not just yourself. My teachers at DCP Harper Woods make me believe I can do anything.”
— DCP Harper Woods Scholar, 8th Grade
Our
Testimonials
Voices from our schools and communities
See what our scholars, teachers, families, and alumni are saying about the difference DCP Harper Woods makes in everyday lives.
Learn how we’re driving equity, nurturing leadership, and inspiring change—one school, one scholar, one community at a time.
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