Our school
Learn about Barber Prep, our mission, and the programs and values that shape our school community.
About our school
Barber Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Highland Park, Michigan, serving students from Preschool through 8th grade. The school sits at 45 E Buena Vista St, in the middle of a community where families have learned to be selective about where they send their children. Principal Nicole Arnold runs a building where the class sizes stay small, the teachers know every student by name, and the academic expectations don't bend.
The preschool program operates on-site through the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). Some fees may apply. Kindergarten students must turn 5 by September 1.
Students wear uniforms: gold polos for K through 2, forest green for 3 through 5, grey for 6 through 8. Bottoms are black, blue, or khaki. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes only. It sounds like a small thing. It isn't. A dress code removes one more distraction from the school day and puts every student on equal footing before the first bell rings.
Beyond core academics, students have access to drumline, robotics, a girls dance team, basketball, and volleyball. Field trips run throughout the year to destinations like the Science Center, Sea Life aquarium, the Parade Company, and the Detroit Art Museum.
Counseling services are provided through MiSide. Tutoring is available. The 21st Century after-school program serves students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, and the school buses students to the Boys and Girls Club for extended after-care.
Every enrolled student receives free breakfast and lunch. Bus transportation is available for most families; eligibility is based on distance, and families must apply.
Barber Preparatory Academy is located at 45 E Buena Vista St, Highland Park, MI 48203. Call (313) 957-3005 or visit barberprep.org.
Community School
Barber Preparatory Academy is a public, community school authorized by the Highland Park School District. Community schools (also known as charter schools) are free and open to all students and focused on meeting student needs for success. Community schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation. We are managed by ACCEL Schools, a high-performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States.