It’s part of Secretary McMahon’s 50 State Tour, an effort to hear how learning is approached in each state with a goal of improving education.
During Secretary McMahon’s tour of Pembroke Academy she got to see educators working one-on-one with students and even witness a few giggles, proof of how much Pembroke students enjoy learning.
The tour also gave Secretary McMahon a better understanding why Pembroke was chosen as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School and earned the distinction of being an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School for outpacing 94% of schools in Michigan and Detroit Public Schools, according to MI School Data.
Executive Principal Salwa Kinsey said these accomplishments go far beyond numbers.
“We are really building something special here in Detroit, and not just for our students but our community,” said Kinsey. “Pembroke Academy exemplifies our mission to transform lives through academic achievement and character development, focusing on true grade-level proficiency and our Moral Focus™ virtues. Secretary McMahon’s visit affirms the hard work of our students, educators, and families.”
Pembroke’s commitment to excellence also earned the school the Spirit of Detroit Award earlier this year for its commitment to the community. The award was presented by Detroit City Councilwoman Angela Whitfield-Calloway.
Pembroke’s success highlights what’s possible when dedicated educators, supportive families, and strong Moral Focus character-building come together. The visit from Secretary McMahon was a powerful reminder of the impact being made inside Pembroke’s classrooms and across National Heritage Academies (NHA®) schools.
For NHA leaders, Secretary McMahon’s visit was a meaningful recognition of three decades of dedication to student success.
“We are honored by Secretary McMahon’s visit,” said NHA Chief Executive Officer Jason Pater. “Her visit underscores the impact our educators are making in shaping opportunity and lifelong success for the families and children we serve.”
This school year, NHA celebrates its 30th anniversary, a milestone that reflects years of commitment to make sure every child receives access to a high-quality education.
Pembroke Academy’s story is just one example of how that promise is being fulfilled.
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About Pembroke Academy
Pembroke Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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