The Scholar Experience
Inspiring Detroit scholars to learn boldly, grow academically, explore new passions, and build the character and confidence to lead.
The Trix Scholar Experience
From Day One to Graduation and Beyond
At Trix Academy, the scholar experience extends far beyond the classroom. As a tuition-free K–8 charter school in Detroit, we nurture the mind, character, and confidence of every child through strong academics, meaningful enrichment, and whole-child support.
Families find a true partner in their child’s education. Through monthly family events, community partnerships, after-school programs, free summer learning, and caring educators, we work hand in hand to help every scholar grow, thrive, and build a bright future.
A nurturing village that inspires excellence, pride, and purpose
Elizabeth Van Hoesen, Principal
“Families on the East Side deserve a school that truly believes in their children—and that’s exactly what Trix Academy stands for. We welcome every scholar with love, push them with high expectations, and support them with real opportunities that change lives. This is more than a school; it’s a community that builds confidence, pride, and hope for Detroit’s future.”
Hallmarks of
The Trix Academy Experience
Trix Academy’s proven model ensures that every scholar receives a high-quality, well-rounded education—rooted in strong academics, enrichment, family partnership, and community pride.
Strong Academics & Personalized Learning
Data-driven instruction, 1:1 support, and engaging lessons help scholars grow confidently and master essential skills.
Enrichment Through Clubs & STEM
Robotics, coding, STEM projects, and arts enrichment give scholars hands-on opportunities to explore new passions and build real-world skills.
Safe, Supportive & Nurturing Environments
Every child is known, cared for, and encouraged to learn in a warm, structured setting where they feel safe and valued.
Caring Teachers & Mentorship
Our dedicated educators build strong relationships, inspire confidence, and guide scholars toward academic and personal success.
Summer Advantage Program
Free summer learning keeps scholars engaged, prevents learning loss, and gives them a strong start heading into the new school year.
Leadership & Life Skills
Scholars build character, resilience, responsibility, and teamwork through mentoring, enrichment, and community involvement.
What Families Can Expect
from the Trix Academy Experience
Families choose Trix Academy because it feels like home—where scholars are supported, challenged, and celebrated every day. Through strong academics, enrichment, and community partnership, we help every child reach their full potential.
Where Every Child Belongs
Trix Academy is rooted in care, respect, and real relationships. Every scholar feels seen, valued, and supported.
Innovative Classrooms
We integrate technology, STEM, robotics, and hands-on learning to make lessons engaging, relevant, and exciting.
Character & Leadership
We teach confidence, responsibility, and service—helping scholars grow into leaders on Detroit’s East Side and beyond.
Academic Excellence for All
Our data-driven approach boosts growth, closes gaps, and prepares scholars for long-term success.
Joyful Learning Environments
Clubs, enrichment, family events, and special experiences make every day fun, memorable, and motivating.
Empowered Educators
Our teachers receive coaching, support, and tools to deliver high-quality instruction and build strong relationships with scholars.
Trix Academy’s
FAMILY JOURNEY
At Trix Academy, we believe every family’s journey is a shared story of growth, pride, and possibility. From kindergarten through eighth grade, our tuition-free Detroit charter school partners with parents to ensure every scholar is loved, challenged, and supported.
Beyond the classroom, Trix strengthens families through free summer learning programs that keep scholars engaged, after-school tutoring, sports and enrichment clubs. We also host monthly family events and build meaningful community partnerships that give families resources, joy, and connection. Together, we nurture academic growth, confidence, and leadership—empowering scholars and families to thrive.
The Scholar Journey Through Trix (K–8)
From the first day of Kindergarten through 8th Grade, Trix scholars experience a transformative education rooted in love, high expectations, and academic excellence. Our classrooms build strong foundations in reading, math, and social-emotional growth while nurturing leadership, service, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Summer Advantage
Learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Through our partnership with Summer Advantage, scholars stay engaged and inspired all summer long with hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun experiences that boost achievement and prevent learning loss.
Beyond Graduation & Community Impact
The Trix experience transforms entire families. Alumni, parents, and partners become leaders and advocates who strengthen their neighborhoods and inspire the next generation—creating a lasting legacy of learning, growth, and opportunity.
Enroll in our free 5-week Summer Advantage Program
SummerAdvantage.org
Phalen Leadership Academies partners with Summer Advantage to keep scholars learning, growing, and thriving year-round. This FREE, research-based summer program helps prevent learning loss and boosts academic achievement through hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun activities that spark curiosity. While most students lose ground over the summer, PLA scholars gain skills, confidence, and friendships that carry into the next school year. Families love the joy, structure, and inspiration their children experience every day. Click below to learn more and give your child the gift of a summer that makes a difference.