Ann Arbor Open School

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Ann Arbor Open School is a public K-8 magnet school and part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Ann Arbor Open has about 475 students from throughout the Ann Arbor District. Admission is on a random selection system for Kindergarten with a wait list maintained for all other grades. The school is located in the former Mack School building at 920 Miller Road, in the same building as Mack Pool. Transportation is provided from anywhere in the district.

Ann Arbor Open emphasizes student interests, choice, and responsibility in learning. Students in grades 1 and up are grouped in two year groupings (1st and 2nd grade together, 3rd and 4th together, etc.) and stay with the same teacher for two years. Students are taught early on to take responsibility for independent learning, facilitated by the teacher. Teachers work with individuals and groups of students to find ways to match their interests with the desired outcomes for kids their age.

Ann Arbor Open school is modeled on democratic schools. The Ann Arbor Open General Assembly, consisting of all staff, parents, and students votes on major policy issues and governance on a one person, one vote basis. Children are taught to solve problems by consensus and democratic means.

Graduates of Ann Arbor Open consistently do better than the average 9th grader in their first semester of high school. MEAP scores are consistently above the state average, and generally comparable to or above the district average.

The media center at Ann Arbor Open School