DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Star International Academy was ranked by Niche.com, a website that analyzes public data sets about schools, as the safest high school in Michigan, in a comparison of 449 schools across the state. U.S. News & World Report also gave the high school a bronze on a national level in regards to performance, which is based off of state exit exams and other advanced placement (AP) test scores. 

Both rankings show just how seriously Star takes the importance of safety and academics, said Superintendent Nawal Hamadeh.

“We focus heavily both on academics and safety,” she said. “They are intertwined – one cannot do without the other. We have staff that are highly qualified and motivated and who want to make a difference in the lives of the kids they teach.”

Ali Bazzi, principal at Star, was thrilled with the rankings. 

“This is great news,” he said. “Is this the end product? Absolutely not. We have the best group of staff members you can find. And now, the country and state have put a spotlight on what Star International Academy can do.”

Bazzi said part of Star’s behavioral success can be contributed to the open communication between students, parents, staff and the community. Parents and students are both encouraged to quickly address any concerns so that issues may be resolved in a positive manner and the students can continue their academics without any qualms.

The school also has a strong network with community organizations like the police and fire departments, Bazzi said.

“We have a great relationship with the community,” he said. “We are literally all one entity in terms of understanding everybody’s roles.”

Hamadeh added that there is also an internal network of support, as social workers, counselors and deans for student activities and programs also collaborate to help students and create a safe and successful learning environment. 

Hamadeh and Bazzi both agreed that forming such an environment where students are able to freely talk, be accepted and take ownership of the school are important for achievement.

“We have an open door policy for our students and our parents,” Bazzi said. “This drives up the morale, because students start taking pride in their schools.”

Hamadeh added that along with collaboration, the staff also sets goals that are focused on helping students continually strive for improvement. 

“The staff really wants to make a difference; that’s the bottom line,” she said. “Having a positive morale can go a long way. We strongly believe that all students are capable if provided the opportunity to perform.”

Without strong leadership, that wouldn’t be possible, she said.

She said Bazzi guides the school and that she gives him a lot of credit. 

“We all speak very highly of him.”