A Pink Panther. That’s the mascot of Detroit International Academy for Young Women. Can you believe it? Standing before this impressive building you’re looking at the only public all-girls pre-K-12 school in Michigan.
This isn’t just any school. This is history. The Detroit International Academy for Young Women occupies the former Northern High School. Northern High had a storied past. It was a place where future stars shone. Think Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson. They walked these very halls. Even NBA players Derrick Coleman and Sam Williams. Northern High closed in 2007. But its legacy continues.
The Detroit International Academy for Young Women opened in 2005. Initially it only had grades 9 and 10. It grew quickly. By 2008 nearly 400 girls were enrolled. The school expanded to include middle school grades in 2009. By 2010 it even included elementary grades.
It’s not just the building that’s special. The school itself is unique. It’s a haven for girls. A place where they can learn and grow without the distractions of boys. Principal Beverly Hibbler fought hard to make this school a reality. She petitioned the state legislature to allow a same-gender public school. Her persistence paid off.
The student body is diverse. African-Americans make up the majority. But there are also many Asian students. Bangladeshi girls form a significant part of the student population. The school has a strong tie to the Bangladeshi community. The all-female environment appeals to many in this culture.
In 2015 the school introduced a unique graduation ceremony. Instead of traditional caps and gowns. The girls wore white dresses. Many dresses were donated. Most students receive free or reduced school lunches.
The Detroit International Academy for Young Women is more than just a school. It’s a testament to the power of education. It’s a symbol of hope for the girls of Detroit. It’s a place where girls from diverse backgrounds come together. They learn together. They succeed together. They shape their own futures. It’s a place where a Pink Panther proudly roams. The legacy of Northern High lives on. In a vibrant and empowering new way.