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About Our School

students learning
Students learning
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Our Mission:

"Community High School is a rigorous academic college preparatory magnet school that encourages students to use the entire community as a resource for study and fosters the development of independent learners who practice personal and social responsibility as they prepare for their post-secondary experience."

Our Culture:

Community High has been the public school of choice for students in the Ann Arbor Public Schools since 1972. It is one of the oldest public magnet schools in the country. What makes our school unique is also what defines us as a school:

  • Forum: Forum is a student-centered, student-run cohort, also known as your family while you're here. Students in forums eat together, hang out together, graduate together, take trips together, and spend time talking about life.
  • Our Community Resource (CR) Department is the best of its kind. CHS is committed to facilitating innovative learning in the classroom, as well as in the community.
  • College-Like Culture: Our open campus environment fosters and encourages self-initiated learning opportunities. Students often design their own coursework and sometimes their own courses. Block scheduling and no bells at the start or end of classes create an environment similar to a college experience, helping students transition more smoothly into their post-secondary years. Visit the CHS Profile 2023-24 to see the information college admissions offices receive about our school.
  • Graduation Requirements: To receive a diploma, students must meet all the high school graduation requirements of the AAPS Board of Education. Students must earn a minimum of twenty-two credits for graduation.
  • Outstanding Arts & Publications: Our jazz musicians, under the direction of Jack Wagner, have won state, national, and international awards for many years. Students perform frequently in jazz combos throughout the community, gaining valuable experience and entertaining the outside world with their musical talents. World class, Grammy-winning musicians frequently visit to play with and mentor our students, passing on their knowledge and experience. Our visual arts students consistently win awards for their artistry. The Communicator, our online and print student publications, turn out award-winning journalism pieces every year. Students also produce the annual Midnight Sun Yearbook to encapsulate memories for decades to come. Student actors, singers, dancers, and crew in Community Ensemble Theatre produce two full-length performances each year, as well as the original "Just Desserts" in the spring.