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  • Home | Clara B. Ford

    WELCOME TO CLARA B. FORD ACADEMY The next CBF board meeting will be held on March 16th , 2026 at 4pm. SCHOOL RECORDS, REPORTS, & TRANSPARENCY Access important school documents and resources, including transcript requests, transparency reporting, and school data. Records/Transcript Request OUR MISSION Clara B. Ford Academy’s mission is to provide a challenging education using trauma-informed strategies, empowering students to build their best lives. About Us Vision We strive to deliver a high-quality education in a nurturing environment because all students deserve both. About Us Academics Clara B. Ford Academy (CBFA) is a public middle and high school serving students in grades 5 - 12. CBFA follows the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum and offers both traditional and alternative instructional methods to support student success. To earn a high school diploma, students must complete 18 credit hours. In addition, students have the opportunity to earn credits through our online credit recovery program. Academics Our Staff We are proud to serve a community of phenomenal students and embrace the theme: CIA = Collaborate, Innovate, Achieve. At CBF, staff and students work together to foster a positive and supportive school culture. Our team values collaboration and enjoys growing together as a community. We believe deeply in our students’ potential and are committed to providing a nurturing environment that helps them develop the academic and social-emotional skills needed to thrive in today’s world. Staff Directory Trauma/Resilency We provide a nurturing, trauma-informed environment that helps students build resilience and develop emotional regulation skills necessary to thrive in today's world. Our supports include: Monarch Room (Sensory Integration Room) Trauma Specialists Dedicated SEL Curriculum Love and Logic Restorative Practices Four Agreements About Us Take a look inside the CBF experience: a community where students are encouraged to reach their potential, staff are dedicated to their success, and every achievement is recognized along the way! Our School Culture At CBFA, we recognize that school is a central part of our students’ lives, and their experiences here greatly influence their overall well-being. We believe that every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued, regardless of their circumstances or background. A positive school climate and culture are essential, as they foster student growth, academic success, strong attendance, and meaningful relationships between students and adults. To support this, each day at CBFA begins with a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lesson designed to build a foundation for a positive learning community. These lessons, along with a variety of programs and activities, strengthen school climate and help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school, in life, in college, and in the workforce. About Us PHOENIX FLYER Phoenix Flyer November 2025 Phoenix Flyer October 2025 Phoenix Flyer September 2025

  • Alumni | Clara B. Ford

    ALUMNI Stay in Touch Any student we have ever had the pleasure of serving will forever be a part of our beloved CBF family! Please keep in touch! We would love to hear all about your latest adventures and accomplishments! Email us at alumni@cbfacademy.com to connect with the CBF Alumni Committee. We look forward to hearing from you! Records/Transcript Request

  • Staff Resources | Clara B. Ford

    STAFF RESOURCES One of the greatest resource teachers have is each other. It is important for teachers to communicate with one other and share ideas. Wayne County RESA Literacy Learning Network & Professional Learning Resources CBFA Calendar 2025-2026 Professional Development Calendar 2025-2026 SIP Goals 2025-2026 CBFA Employee Handbook 2025-2026

  • Academics | Clara B. Ford

    ACADEMICS Every child benefits from a quality, comprehensive education rooted in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Additional knowledge of technology, enhanced physical and social development and exposure adds to the intellectual development for all learners. At Clara B. Ford Academy, we place the highest priority on having standards developed in each of these areas. These standards allow us to measure the progress of our students and the effectiveness of our curriculum and instruction. Our district goal is for all students to have the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes necessary to lead a successful life. Clara B. Ford Academy serves a unique population of students, many of whom have, because of their time in the foster-care system, experienced significant gaps in their learning. As such, our students often arrive at CBF with complex educational needs, which we strive to address through an innovative pairing of Trauma-Informed Teaching Methods with high levels of rigor. Our small class sizes allow us to differentiate extensively according to students’ academic needs, learning styles, and interests, and we prize collaboration between general education and special education teachers. We engage in ongoing, quality professional development in differentiated instruction and trauma-informed teaching, and we value creativity and flexibility in meeting the many varied needs of our students. CBF also offers extensive credit-recovery opportunities, provides access to leading online learning platforms, and partners with the community to invite Vista Maria’s Educational Specialists and tutors into our classrooms. Our teachers and support staff are dedicated, passionate, and highly confident in our students’ potential. Additional Academic Highlights: Summer School & Online Options Summer school programs and additional online learning opportunities are available for credit recovery. Reduced Credit Load Students graduate with a reduced credit requirement—18 credits instead of 22 —allowing for a more manageable path toward graduation, recovery, and long-term success. Aligned with Michigan Merit Curriculum The required 18 credits represent the Michigan Merit Curriculum and include the core academic classes provided by all schools in Michigan for a high school diploma. Traditional Graduation Graduates receive a traditional high school diploma and participate in a traditional high school commencement ceremony and activities. District Assessment: NWEA at CBF NWEA is our district assessment . All students will be tested on the NWEA Reading and Math Assessments . NWEA is a research-based online assessment tool for measuring student achievement and growth in K-12 math, reading and language usage. Teachers use NWEA to target instruction for each student at their grade level. NWEA has also partnered with online tools such as Khan Academy & Exact Path to personalize learning so students get support tailored to their needs, whether on, above, or below grade level. Testing Schedule: Fall Winter Spring How Teachers Use NWEA Data: Analyze results during Professional Learning Communities & Teacher Data Digs Determine instructional readiness Plan for differentiated instruction Set goals with students Monitor progress toward those goals Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) High School Graduation Requirements (18 Credits) Clara B Ford Academy follows the MMC requirements for graduation. Successful completion of these graduation requirements is necessary to earn a diploma. Students with disabilities are assisted in meeting these graduation requirements as appropriate and as specified in their Individualized Education Program (“IEP”). Students with disabilities who are unable to meet these graduation requirements, or for whom these requirements are deemed inappropriate, may be assigned to a personal curriculum. Clara B Ford Academy Course Catalog

  • School Reports | Clara B. Ford

    SCHOOL REPORTS QUICK LINKS: Personal and Operating Expenditures MDE Required Reporting Emergency Drills Report Annual Education Report CBF 2022-23 Sec. 9b Goal Progress Report EOY CBFA ESSER III Return to Learn Plan 09/2024 CBFA Board Policies CBFA 2025-26 Board Calendar CBFA Charter School Contract 2022-2027 Charter Contract and ESP Agreement Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting The Annual Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting legislation is an opportunity for Clara B Ford Academy to share, with the public, information on how resources are utilized. The legislation represents an amendment to the State School Aid Act (Public Act 94 of 1979) and requires each Michigan school district and intermediate school district to post the following budgetary information on its website. Board Approved Budgets The Clara B Ford Academy budget is adopted by the local board of education no later than June 30 of each year. This budget is posted on the website within 30 days of adoption. Any subsequent budget amendments are also posted within 30 days. CBFA Budget Resolution FY24 CBFA Final FY25 Budget CBFA Original FY26 Budget CBFA Revised General Fund Resolution 2025 CBF 2024-2025 Dues & Fees CBF 2024-2025 BudgetTransOperatingRpt CBF 2024-2025 BudgetTransPersonnelRpt CBF 2024-2025 Audit Financial Statement CBF 2024-2025 Credit Cards CBF 2024-2025 ESPTransOperationaExpenditureRpt CBF 2024-2025 Out of State Travel CBF Checkbook Balance Inquiry .7.1.24-6.30.25 CBF 2024-2025 ESPTransExpenditureRpt Budget/Salary Personnel Expenditures and Current Operating Expenditures Because schools are a service industry, the largest share of every school's expenditures is salaries and benefits. Operational expenditures include but are not limited to instructional resources, fuel, maintenance, and technology. CBF 2023 - 24 Budget Transparency Personnel Report CBF 2023 - 24 Budget Transparency Operating Report _________________________________________________________________________________ Educational Service Provider Transparency Reports ESP Operating Expenditures 2023 - 24 ESP Transparency Expenditures 2023 - 24 _________________________________________________________________________________ Current Bargaining Agreements The staff does not work under bargaining agreements. _________________________________________________________________________________ Employer Sponsored Health Care Plans The district hired all staff through a third party. _________________________________________________________________________________ CBF Lead Admin Compensation 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________ CBF Teacher & Support Staff Wage Transparency 2025 _________________________________________________________________________________ District Paid Lobbying Costs The district does not pay any lobbying costs. _________________________________________________________________________________ Medical Benefit Plan Bids Because our staff is hired through a third party vendor, we do not request medical benefit plan bids. _________________________________________________________________________________ Audited Financial Statements Each year, Clara B Ford Academy is required to hire an independent auditor to complete a comprehensive audit which evaluates and reports on the financial condition of the district. The audit includes a thorough analysis of all business operations as well as a compliance review for the requirements of the many programs we operate. CBA 2023 - 24 Audited Financial Report CBF 2023 - 24 Audit Government Letter __________________________________________________________________________________ Procurement Policy CBFA Board Approved Purchasing Policy 5 2023 __________________________________________________________________________________ Expense Reimbursement Policy Reimbursement Board Policy __________________________________________________________________________________ District Credit Card Information CBF 2023-24 Credit Cards ___________________________________________________________________________________ District Paid Association Dues CBF 2023 - 24 Dues and Fees _____________________________________________________________________________________ Approved Deficit Elimination Plan The district has not incurred a deficit _______________________________________________________________________________________ District Paid Out-of-State Travel Information 2023 - 24 Travel Information _______________________________________________________________________________________ District Checkbook Balances CBF 2023 - 24 Accounts Payable Check Register Educator Evaluation Systems Posting and Assurances Danielson Teacher Evaluation Model 6 Indicators Administration Evaluation CBFA ESSER III Return to Learn Plan 09/2024 CBF ESSER 3 Plan of Use of Funds Expenditures MDE Required Reporting E-Transcripts Specific Learning Disabilities Michigan's Online Course Catalog Teacher Evaluation Summer Food Service Program Locator Personal Curriculum Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Procedures and Guidelines FOIA Procedure Summary FOIA Fee Itemization Form Title IX Grievance Procedures Title IX Formal Complaint Form Title IX Training Title IX Training Topics CBFA Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination Title IX Sexual Harassment / Sexual Assault Information CBF - 2022-2023 Sec. 98b Goal Progress Report EOY CBFA 98c Learning Loss Grant Proposal CBFA ESSER III Return to Learn Plan 09/2024 Firearm Safety and Harm Prevention Firearm Storage Requirements and Penalties Safe Storage Notice Charter School Closure Checklist MDE Report Food Service Non-Discrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) (http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html) online, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: 202-690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. CBF Wellness Policy Emergency Drills Report Emergency Drills Report Emergency Drills Report Form 2025-2026 Emergency Drills Report Form 2024-2025 Emergency Drills Report Form 2023-2024 In order to obtain an accurate local picture of school crime and to develop the partnerships necessary to plan and implement school safety programs, PA 532 of 2016 (Sect. 380.1310a) for reporting certain incidents was put into effect. Per PA 532 of 2016, each school building shall collect and keep current on a weekly basis the information required for the report and each school board shall post this information on its website at least annually. 2025-2026 Weekly Crime Report Annual Education Report CBF 2025-25 Annual Education Report CBF 2025-2026 AER.pdf Annual Education Report Covid Response Plan

  • Contact Us | Clara B. Ford

    CONTACT US Clara B. Ford Academy ADDRESS 20651 West Warren Ave. Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 INFORMATION For information or questions: E-MAIL US info@cbfacademy.com PHONE US Office: 313-436-0020 Fax: 313-982-9217 FACEBOOK Find us on Facebook! OFFICE HOURS While school is in session our staff offices are open from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm During the summer our staff offices are open from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm You Can Also Contact Us by Form First Name Email Last Name Phone Message Submit Thanks for submitting!

  • About Us | Clara B. Ford

    ABOUT US We provide a nurturing, trauma-informed environment while also helping students develop the resilience and emotional-regulation skills necessary to thrive in a competitive adult world. History of the Phoenix Coming Soon... Meet the Principal -Mike Patterson - I have been a part of CBF for 14 years, serving as Assistant Principal for three years before stepping into the role of School Leader last year. This is now my second year leading our school, and I am deeply committed to our mission and students. My greatest passion is supporting youth in foster care, and I consider it a blessing to work with the best group of kids in the state of Michigan. This year, my goal is for CBF to not only be the best school within a residential facility, but also to become a model and magnet school for youth in foster care across the state. Our Committment At CBF, we are proud to serve a community of phenomenal youth and embrace our guiding theme: CIA = Collaborate, Innovate, Achieve. Collaboration between staff and students is at the heart of our school culture, and we value the sense of connection that makes us a true CBF family. Our staff believes strongly in our students’ potential and is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment that fosters both academic growth and social-emotional development, preparing them to thrive in today’s world. STAFF DIRECTORY Staff Directory Mike Patterson PRINCIPAL Julia Bozyk ELA Sydney Hull SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER m.patterson@cbfacademy.com 313-436-0020 Ext 122 j.bozyk@cbfacademy.com 313-436-0020 Ext 107 s.hull@cbfacademy.com 313-436-0020 Ext.102 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeanne Martens - President Jennifer Simmons - Vice President Lisa Sasaki - Treasurer Sr. Janice Rushman - Secretary Karen Hall - Member 2025 -2026 Annual Board Meeting Schedule Board Policies Updated May 2025 CBFA PARTNERSHIPS CS PARTNERS FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY VISTA MARIA “Truly grateful for the time we've worked together. Your support and encouragement have meant so much to me. Thank you for everything, and I wish you the best! I will miss you all!!” A. (former student)

  • Students | Advocates

    STUDENTS/ ADVOCATES Clara B. Ford Academy is based on the concept that Student Advocate commitment, involvement, and participation are critical to the success of a student's educational process. For Clara B Ford’s unique population, Student Advocates represent the parent, therapist, DHS Worker, Youth and Family Specialist, Educational Specialist and/or person’s legally representing the student and their educational plan. Student Advocates can find information about the academy on this website, including but not limited to, the student handbook, dress code, school closure information, transcript request, and staff contact information. Students Clara B Ford Academy (CBF) provides educational services for girls in grades 5-12. CBF serves students currently or formerly in foster care. Former residents of Vista Maria are also invited to continue their education through the Community Student Program (CS) at CBF. We offer flexible learning options to meet the needs of all students, including: Full-Time Online Students Blended Learning Students (In-Person and Online) Credit Recovery and Supplemental Learners To begin the enrollment process, please contact Mr. Patterson at (313) 436-0020 . Student Dress Code Policy Student Dress Code Guidelines School Calendar Class Times 1st Hour: 8:15-8:45 am 2nd Hour: 8:47-9:37 am 3rd Hour: 9:39-10:29 am Lunch: 10:31-11:01 am 4th Hour: 11:03-11:53 am 5th Hour: 11:55 am-12:45 pm 6th Hour: 12:47-1:37 pm Seminar: 1:39-2:29 pm *Seminar not held on Wednesday Student Handbook/Code of Conduct Please read the student handbook to better understand the policies and procedures related to school life. Technology Guidelines The Technology Team supports student success by providing equipment, resources, training, and technical support district-wide for students and staff. Please review and fill out the Technology Equipment Use Agreement for specific information. School Closing Information If Clara B. Ford Academy is closed for inclement weather, the decision will be made by 6:00 a.m. If it becomes necessary to close school early, Student Advocates or a person on the emergency contact information will be notified. All school closings will be posted on the school website, accessed at www.cbfacademy.com, and broadcast on the following television stations after that time: CBF School Messenger WWJ 950 AM Local News stations: WDIV Local 4, Fox 2 Detroit, WXYZ Detroit 7 Community Student Enrollment To begin the enrollment process, please contact Mr. Patterson at m.patterson@cbfacedemy.com or (313) 436-0020 . Transcript Request CBF provides transcripts to former students. Transcripts are often requested to pursue higher education, employment opportunities, and establish personal identification. To request a transcript, please complete the Request for Student Records Form. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact: Mr. Patterson at m.patterson@cbfacademy.com or (313) 436-0020 . Power School Portal: If you do not have a username or password, contact Mr. Patterson at m.patterson@cbfacedemy.com or (313) 436-0020 . Click here for Power School-Parent Portal: PowerSchoo l Records/Transcript Request Student Advocates Our unique population may have support from persons other than parents such as: foster parents, guardians, DHS workers, therapist, and others. For these supports CBF have adopted the term “Student Advocate”. Click here for current Student Handbook: CBF Student Handbook 2025-2026 At Clara B Ford we are proud of the relationship that we have with Student Advocates. Collaboration between CBF and Student Advocates is supported through the following resources. Be sure to stay up to date with the School Calendar . School Reach An additional resource for Student Advocates is School Reach. Instant Parent Contact notifies Student Advocates of important information, including school closings, emergency announcements, Student Advocate conference reminders, and more. Annual Education Report Power School-Parent Portal Power School-Parent Portal is one of the resources offered to Student Advocates that allows access to your student’s attendance, grades, assignments, and more! Student Advocates will be provided with username and a password from Clara B. Ford. If you do not have username or password, contact Mr. Patterson at m.patterson@cbfacedemy.com or (313) 436-0020 . Click here for Power School-Parent Portal: PowerSchool Request for Student Records Only parents, legal guardians, or students of legal age may request the release of student records. Photo ID must be provided for identification verification. To request a transcript, please complete a Request for Student Records Form. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact: Mr. Patterson at m.patterson@cbfacademy.com or (313) 436-0020 . Clara B Ford Academy 2025-26 Course Catalog Records/Transcript Request Transcript Request

  • Photo Gallery | Clara B. Ford

    PHOTO GALLERY (Click on image to enlarge)

  • Employment | Clara B. Ford

    EMPLOYMENT Looking for any opportunity to join the school family? Are you looking for an opportunity to work with a wonderful staff and become an active part in a school family? Did you get your degree so you could develop innovative and engaging lessons for students with unique educational needs? Clara B. Ford Academy is a charter school for girls in grades 5-12 with a history of trauma. The Academy is located on the grounds of Vista Maria a residential treatment facility in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Clara B. Ford Academy is exploring innovative strategies to assist students academically and behaviorally as part of a research project exploring the impact of trauma informed instruction on student achievement. The focus of the work is to look beyond the external behaviors and develop strategies focused on underlying issues. The main focus of the Academy and Vista Maria is to treat, heal, and educate our students. At Clara B. Ford Academy, you will work with a team-oriented and dedicated staff, be provided with classroom support and weekly professional development, and teach in classrooms with low staff to student ratios. We are looking for teachers who are creative, flexible, organized, and passionate about teaching students with unique needs.If you believe in making a positive difference in the lives of students, thrive in an environment where collaboration is a mainstay, flexibility is a must, and a positive, self-motivated attitude makes you a part of a unique school family, then you need to apply today! APPLY NOW TESTIMONIALS "I have worked at CBF for many years. It is by far the most rewarding and enjoyable job I've ever had, and I fully plan to retire from here. We work with the world's most incredible children. They may try to act tough sometimes, as they've been put through a great deal in their young lives, but they warm very quickly to caring adults. They then reveal themselves to be the most loving, loveable people you'll ever meet. Because of what they've seen and experienced, our students tend to have a better understanding of the importance of education than perhaps most people their age; they take their educational opportunities seriously and recognize and appreciate teacher dedication. They are also hilarious and brilliant and will have you smiling all day long. The staff is amazing. We are a family who supports one another and who has a great time together. We laugh a LOT. New staff members always remark on how welcoming and supportive we are. We have several negative reviews from years ago. Please note that former employees spoke very highly of staff and students and that most issues were with leadership. We now have a new admin team who is very supportive and extremely dedicated to the well-being of both students and staff. Resources have been reallocated to beautify the school, celebrate the children, and recognize the efforts of staff. I am incredibly grateful to work at CBF." ENGLISH TEACHER "A phenomenal sense of purpose is served when involved with this unique population of students. The school is under new leadership as of 2020-2021. The new superintendent is supportive and collaborative. The school culture is warm and inviting, and the entire staff is supportive and dynamic! Class sizes are small, and kept under or at 15 per classroom." SPECIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR/MENTOR "CBF is a place that has transcended into a positive school culture and climate filled with dedication of staff and students who have meaningful relationships. Our new school leader is commited to trust devoted staff that allows them to be apart of decison making and exceed expectations in academic success of CBF's students. Our motto is Together we will! We celebrate often with our successes and students share that celebration. The most enjoyable part of the job is our school Mascot Minature poodle Honey Bear and the significant bond she brings to the learning community. The hardest part of the job is flexibility and patience which is required inorder to work with trauma victims and does not surrender to excuses or enabling at all costs. I plan on staying until I retire , the best fit and most rewarding job I have ever had." INSTRUCTIONAL COACH/SCIENCE TEACHER

  • | Clara B. Ford

    New Safety Regulations ​ First Name Last Name Email Address Date of Birth Do you have a doctor’s permit to participate in intense physical activities? No Yes Have you lost your consciousness in the last past 12 months? No Yes Initials Today's Date I declare that the info I’ve provided is accurate & complete Submit Thanks for submitting!

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