Dearborn offers several options for 8th graders and their families to consider besides the traditional high school experience.
- Henry Ford Early College programs – Henry Ford Early College is a unique early college program that gives students the opportunity to attain both a high school diploma and an Associate Degree from in five years at no cost to the student or parent. There are three programs under the HFEC umbrella, all housed at the Henry Ford College campus. The original Henry Ford Early College focuses on medical careers. HFEC Advanced Manufacturing offers degrees and certificates in skilled jobs such as manufacturing trades and automotive technology, and HFEC School of Education is focused on opportunities related to teaching.
- Michael Berry Career Center – Students at MBCC can choose from Career and Technical Education Programs in several fields such as business, hospitality/food service, information technology, health sciences, criminal justice and more. Students divide their time between MBCC on the Dearborn Heights Campus and their home high school. Transportation is provided.
- Dearborn Center for Mathematics, Science, & Technology – DCMST is a specialized four year advanced, science and math curriculum. Students attend their home school as well as DCMST. Applications are available for 8th graders online in January and early February.