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ABOUT CHARLES R. DREW TRANSITION CENTER

The Charles R. Drew Transition Center is a unique, post-secondary pre-vocational center for students who have moderate and severe cognitive, developmental, and physical challenges. The Drew Transition Center, which serves post-secondary exceptional education students ages 18-26, is a one-of-a-kind, center-based, educational facility that has created a continuum of services for students with disabilities to ensure students have access to an age-appropriate learning environment.  We believe that the transition process is best experienced through authentic life training, and real world connections. Our students strive to prepare for the world of work and to become productive citizens with the necessary skills that increase their quality of life.



​Robert Avedisian,

Principal



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Our Vision
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Miriam Dzandu-Phillips is a highly respected education management professional.  She has over 10 years of progressive experience in the general education and exceptional education (ESE) settings. Her innovative leadership style and strategic program oversight has generated optimal success rates and fostered stimulating learning environments.  She has a keen eye for identifying trouble areas and proactively finding solutions that support student growth. One of her many assets includes establishing and maintaining effective relationships with students, parents, staff, and community agents to improve educational quality at the Charles R. Drew Transition Center. She is an advocate for student enrichment and success and has received many accolades for her outstanding achievements. She is a distinguished member of the Wayne State University Alumni, the Marygrove College Alumni, and a lifetime member of the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor Alumni Association. Her motto is, "Do something today that your future self will thank you for." 

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Our History

Charles R. Drew Transition Center’s vision is to provide instruction that meets the  educational needs of the special education adult learner, 18-26 years of age, in achieving pre-vocational and daily living skills that may lead to employment and full inclusion into community life.

The center is housed in the former Drew Middle School which, in the year 2011, underwent a $5.2 million renovation that allows DPS to adequately serve approximately 600 students who previously attended Detroit Transition Center East and Detroit Transition Center West.

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