FIRST SCHOOL OF THOUGHT ( K-2)

Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit is divided into Three Schools of Thought (SOT). Grades K-2 are the First School Of Thought. Grades 3-5 are the Second School of Thought, and the Middle School (grades 6-8 ) is the Third School Of Thought.

The First School of Thought (K-2) focuses on establishing the foundation necessary for developing historical, cultural, ethical, geographical, economical and socio-political literacy. Much of the Social Studies content is accessed through literature.

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills is administered to first and second grade students. The First School of Thought curriculum includes: Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Spanish, Music, Art, Dance Movement, Wellness, and Physical Education. Computers are used as a vehicle for learning in the First School of Thought.

SECOND SCHOOL OF THOUGHT (Grades 3-5)

The Second School of Thought (Grades 3-5) focuses on continually developing and refining previously learned skills including inquiry and research skills. As students work with specific content, they learn to access information by observing, reading, viewing and listening. 

All students are required to take the Performance Series Assessment in Math and Language Arts at the beginning of the school year and at the end of the year. This test is administered electronically. Students are also required to take the statewide MEAP test in the Fall. 

Swimming is a requirement of the school's physical education curriculum program. Each class receives six weeks of swim instruction. Students are also required to participate in two school-wide projects--- the Daryl Dickson Philanthropic Project where they identify a group/project/cause to which they would like to donate their time or resources, and the Kwanzaa project where the student researches a family ancestor

Fourth graders experience the entrepreneurial project, Taki Town, where they set up their own businesses, and Fifth graders are the performers for the annual school theatrical production. It is also their first year for the three day camping trip in June which is part of the school's science curriculum. 

THIRD SCHOOL OF THOUGHT (Grades 6-8)
(Middle School)

In the Third School of Thought /Middle School , the curriculum builds upon the knowledge and skills in previous years. During these years, students engage in projects that cultivate Self-Discovery, Intellectual Adventure, and Global Awareness. The Social Studies content is integrated into the curriculum to help link students to social issues of the larger world.

All students are required to take the Performance Series Test to assess their skills in Math and Language Arts at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year. This test is administered electronically. Students are also required to take the statewide MEAP test in the Fall. Eighth grade students meet with the school counselor in preparation for high school and receive notifications of high school entrance exams and open houses. All students are required to take Spanish in which classroom instruction and learning activities are further enhanced by weekly practice on the computers with the Rosetta Stone Foreign Language software.

Swimming is a requirement of the schoo's physical education program. Each class receives swim instruction for six weeks. Students are also required to participate in the Darryl Dickson Philanthropic Project where they identify a group/project/cause to which they would like to donate their time or resources. The Kwanzaa project is the student research of an ancestor which is presented to the school in December. 

Sixth graders experience a three day winter camping trip in February as part of the Science curriculum. Seventh graders navigate their way on an all day canoeing trip in the spring. Eighth graders experience governmental operations, museums, theater, and Howard University when they participate in the school's Washington D.C. Study Tour , which is also in the Spring. As the school year ends, they participate in the annual Ropes Course and complete their stay at NTSD with the Life Lessons Program. 

Middle School (Third School Of Thought ) Majors
Middle school students select one out of the four majors prior to their sixth grade year by completing applications and citing reasons for their interest in the specific major.

The Humanity and Communication Major is an integrated program of study that emphasizes writing, and oral communication. There is a strong emphasis on higher-level thinking, concept development and research within the Language Arts and across other disciplines. The program prepares students to be lifelong fans of language and history, and media production. 

The Math and Science Major provides opportunities and experiences for students to broaden and deepen their understanding of concepts, integrated themes, and the connections among other disciplines. Students also learn to read, write, and speak in the language of mathematics as they work on specialized coursework with a cohort to conduct inquiries using mathematics, computer science and the scientific process to solve real world problems .

The Performing Arts Major unifies the physical, mental and the emotional through Dance and Drama. The program develops analytical skills, teamwork, self expression, organization and problem solving. Through Dance, students focus on choreography, aesthetic perception, creative expression, and dance vocabulary. Through Drama students analyze characters, their words and actions, and their relationships. 

The Technology Major is designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity of students. It incorporates technology, collaboration, and the arts to provide a hands-on, interactive experience in technology through web design, music , and computer programming. Through this awareness students also begin to analyze the impact and consequences of these products and systems on society and on the environment.