MacDowell Preparatory Academy in Detroit, Michigan on DonorsChoose

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It's become more than just \"tidying up\" it's about creating a space where they feel safe, respected, and ready to learn.\r\nThe impact has been more than physical. A refreshed classroom environment has boosted student focus and morale. They walk in each day with a different energy because they see we care about the space they're learning in and that makes them care too.\r\nOur next step is to carry this mindset into our Life Skills projects. Just like we learned to take care of our classroom, we'll connect it to how they can take care of their homes, communities, and even future workplaces. Your generosity has made our learning environment not just cleaner, but more inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1746583812100,"projectUrl":"project/reset-refresh-its-almost-over/9249708/","projectTitle":"Reset & Refresh! It's Almost Over!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gavin Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9709481_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753124100806","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9709481"},{"teacherId":9715581,"projectId":8717952,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contributions to \"Structure for this Conjuncture.\" The items donated have helped my students and me have a much more organized class and have allowed them to take ownership of their work and learning. With the caddies that I received, I have been able to color-code everything by tables, as well as their workbooks and materials, so that our classroom can run seamlessly. Everyone knows where everything is and how to access it, as well as how to clean up and put things back in their proper place.\r\nAdditionally, the snacks have served as excellent incentives to motivate scholars to do their very best. The seat covers would have been perfect for keeping personal items organized, as the children do not have desks to store their belongings. However, the covers I selected were not big enough for the chairs. Once those covers are swapped out, I am sure they will be perfect for not only my current scholars but also future ones.\r\nOnce again, I am so appreciative of all those who donated to this project, and on behalf of my scholars and myself, thank you so much for your help!","fullyFundedDate":1734844246260,"projectUrl":"project/structure-for-this-conjuncture/8717952/","projectTitle":"Structure for this Conjuncture","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9715581"},{"teacherId":9709481,"projectId":8762039,"letterContent":"On behalf of my Life Skills class at MacDowell Prep Academy, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of hygiene items. Your support has made a tremendous impact on my students, providing them with essential items that help promote confidence, self care, and overall well being. When they first saw the materials, many of them were excited and grateful, knowing that these resources would help them feel more prepared for their day to day lives.\r\n\r\nIn our Life Skills class, we emphasize the importance of personal hygiene as part of building healthy habits. With your donation, we were able to have meaningful discussions about self care and responsibility, and students now have access to the items they need to practice good hygiene daily. Looking ahead, we will continue focusing on lessons that promote confidence and independence, ensuring that students not only understand the importance of self care but also feel empowered to maintain these habits beyond the classroom. 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About this school

MacDowell Preparatory Academy is an urban public school in Detroit, Michigan that is part of Detroit Public Schools Community District. It serves 223 students in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.9:1. Its teachers have had 22 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 6

223 Students

16 Teachers

4201 W Outer Dr

Detroit, MI 48221 View local requests

http://www.macdowellprep.com

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at MacDowell Preparatory Academy to request what their students need.

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

MacDowell Preparatory Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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MacDowell Preparatory Academy Demographics

92%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

98%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

MacDowell Preparatory Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 26, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.