Edsel Ford High School

Edsel Ford High School is a public high school located in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, in Metro Detroit. Edsel Ford, located on Rotunda Drive, near Oakwood, is one of three public high schools in the Dearborn Public Schools (along with Fordson and Dearborn High).

Edsel Ford High School
Location
20601 Rotunda Dearborn , Michigan 48124 United States
Coordinates	42°17′23.6″N 83°14′1.7″W
Information
Type	Public High School
Established	1955
School district	Dearborn Public Schools
Principal	Rima Hassan[1]
Teaching staff	87.90 (FTE)[2]
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	1,571 (2023-2024)[2]
Student to teacher ratio	17.87[2]
Campus	Suburban
Color(s)	Black and white
Nickname	Thunderbirds
Accreditation	North Central Association
Yearbook	Flight
Affiliation	Downriver League[3]
Website	efhs.dearbornschools.org

Student assessments
2021–22 school year[4] Change vs. prior year[4]
M-STEP 11th grade proficiency rates (Science / Social Studies)
Advanced %	12.7 / 7.8
Proficient %	21.5 / 23.8
PR. Proficient %	10.4 / 45.9
Not Proficient %	55.4 / 22.5
Average test scores
SAT Total	910.5 ( −19.4)

The school's enrollment includes members of all of the major ethnic groups within Dearborn.^[5]

History

Edsel Ford High School opened in 1955, with its first graduating class completing their studies in 1956. It is named after Edsel Bryant Ford, the son of automotive pioneer Henry Ford.

The school was constructed on land donated by the Ford Motor Company. Its original design reflected contemporary educational philosophies of the mid-20th century, emphasizing innovative architectural layouts, a strong focus on the humanities, and college preparatory programs. Planning for the school began in 1951, and its completion in 1956 coincided with the rapid suburban development of Dearborn during that period.

As part of its unique curriculum, an English Humanities program was introduced in the late 1950s as an experimental, interdisciplinary program that integrated literature, music, and visual arts into a unified educational experience.

According to a 1958 education journal,^{[citation needed]} the program approached these disciplines as interconnected forms of human expression, with students participating in the course throughout their high school years. The 1959 Flight yearbook noted that six semesters of English Humanities were required, combining instruction in writing, grammar, and punctuation with the critical analysis of artistic and musical works. The program aimed to foster a deeper understanding of human emotion, thought, and creativity across various media.

By the early 1960s, the English Humanities program had gained recognition as part of a broader national movement toward integrated arts education ^[6]. Although the school has since transitioned to a more traditional English curriculum—offering standard, honors, and Advanced Placement courses—the interdisciplinary philosophy of the original program continues to influence the school's approach to humanities education.

The curriculum included formal assessments such as midterms and finals in art, music, and English—an unusual level of rigor for a high school program at the time. The program remained a central part of the school's curriculum for several decades and continued into the mid-2000s.^[7]

Extra-curricular activities

Athletics

T. C. Cameron, author of Metro Detroit's High School Football Rivalries, wrote that Edsel's athletic rivalry with Dearborn High School "has always been spirited" and that Edsel’s teams "never pass on a chance" to challenge Dearborn High in games.^[5]

Fall sports Football Girls' swimming Boys' soccer Cross country Boys' tennis Girls' golf Field hockey Cheerleading Girls' volleyball

Winter sports Hockey Boys' basketball Girls' basketball Boys' swimming Wrestling Cheerleading

Spring sports Girls' soccer Baseball Softball Girls' tennis Track and field Boys' golf

Clubs

The school offers a wide range of clubs—from arts & media and cultural groups to STEM competitions, service organizations, and performing arts ensembles.^[8]

Arts & media Anime Club Art Club Book Club Creative Writing Club News Staff / Bolt Yearbook / Flight Culture American Sign Language Club (ASL) Arabic Cultural Club Black Student Union French Club German Club Lebanese Student Association Muslim Student Association Palestinian Student Association Spanish Club Yemeni Student Association

Honor societies & academic clubs Arabic Honor Society French National Honor Society National Honor Society (NHS) Spanish National Honor Society Tri-M Music Honor Society Mentoring & personal development Circle of Friends (formerly Youth Activation Committee) College and University Exploration My Potential (EL) Mentoring Program

Performing arts & music A Cappella Choir Crescendo Club (performing arts parent organization) Drama Club Film Club Jazz Band Marching Band Service, leadership & humanitarian GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Greenhouse Club HEARTS FOR HOPE Interact Club – Rotary Key Club – Kiwanis Link Crew Orphan Relief Club Social Justice Club Student Council UNICEF Women Empowerment Club

STEM, innovation & competition Challenge Bowl (Quiz Bowl) Chess Club Coding Club Debate Club E-Sports Game Club HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Model United Nations Robotics

Notable alumni

Arts

• Kristen Doute, television personality
• Suzanne Sena, current Onion News anchor, and host of Celebrity Homes on E!^[9]

Sports

• Jim Cummins, retired NHL player
• Dan Enos (1986), offensive coordinator at University of Arkansas
• Dakota Joshua (2014), professional ice hockey forward
• Derek Lowe (1991), retired Major League Baseball pitcher
• John Vigilante (2003), professional ice hockey forward