Dearborn eighth graders will have more options for earning a free college credential when they enter high school in fall 2027.

Dearborn Public Schools and Henry Ford College announced Oct. 30 that the Henry Ford Early Colleges will operate as two schools beginning in 2027-28. The changes will broaden the available fields of study, according to the district’s First Bell announcement.

Henry Ford Early College Liberal Arts will replace the Advanced Manufacturing school and College of Education program. Accepted students will be able to work toward any associate degree or trade certification offered by Henry Ford College.

The original Henry Ford Early College will become Henry Ford Early College Health. It will retain its medical-career focus and partnership with Henry Ford Health System, including opportunities for practical experience in Detroit.

Both schools will offer five-year programs in which students can complete high school and earn an associate degree or trade certification without tuition costs to their families.

“Reenvisioning our second school as HFEC Liberal Arts will allow us to expand opportunities and open the doors to a much broader group of students,” Principal Marwan Salamey said in the district announcement.

“Whether students have a clear vision of the career they want to pursue or are still exploring their interests, this program will provide the guidance, structure, and support needed to help them succeed.”

Salamey also emphasized that the Liberal Arts name does not exclude trades or career certification programs.

Who can apply

HFEC Health will admit 50 students annually, while HFEC Liberal Arts will accept up to 100, according to the district.

Eligibility extends to students elsewhere in Wayne County, outside Dearborn Public Schools. HFEC Health also reserves places for qualifying children of Henry Ford Health System employees.

Students will take classes on the Henry Ford College campus. They will begin with high school instruction in two district-owned buildings before taking an increasing share of college courses.

Applications are expected to open in early December 2026 and remain available through February 2027, according to the early college website. Students already studying manufacturing or education will be able to continue their existing career pathways.

Graduation results

The district reported that 131 students completed high school in the most recent graduating class and that 86% also earned an associate degree.

Henry Ford Early College received National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2021, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

“Dearborn Public Schools is excited to expand the high school pathways available to our students through the creation of the HFEC Liberal Arts school,” Superintendent Mike Esseily said in the announcement.

Information sessions

Dearborn Public Schools plans presentations for eighth graders in November and December about the early colleges and the Dearborn Center for Math, Science and Technology.

Parents may attend their child’s school presentation or a Zoom session on Dec. 1 or Dec. 15. The district says a recording will be available afterward.

Students seeking admission as ninth graders in fall 2027 should watch the early college website for application instructions.