2025

  • May

    Jordan Smith '07 with classmates Rebecca Mclaughlin Haines and Symone Jackson Kumar at the CKAA event at Coeur

    ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Smith ’07

    Mackenzie Friedman
    This month the Cranbrook Schools Alumni Team sat down with CK alumnus Jordan Smith ’07, Culinary Institute of America-trained chef-owner of Coeur. Since it’s opening in 2023, Coeur provides Ferndale with a “fine dining experience rooted in tradition yet infused with a creative and light-hearted approach”. As a self-described food nerd and classically trained chef, he has a penchant for weaving classic technique and modern ingredients imbued with subtle nostalgia, creating dishes like an artfully updated chicken cordon bleu using local Michigan chicken or an entire tasting menu themed around fast food. He’s a constant student of ingredients, products, technique, and life. He believes that the learning never stops, whether it’s in the kitchen or out in the world. All of chef Jordan’s training and life experience has led him to Coeur, a restaurant which acts as an extension to his wild heart and expansive worldview. Coeur is all about manifesting those memorable, core food experiences in other people. He believes ardently in exploring one’s own creativity, celebrating freedom, and unlocking those memories within us all.

     
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  • Brookside Librarian Mrs. Marmorstein Retires After 25 Years of Inspiring Young Readers

    Shanzay Ali '25, Senior May Project Intern, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
    Click here to share well wishes with Laura Marmorstein as she retires

    After over two decades of shaping young minds from the Brookside Library, Laura Marmorstein is not only saying goodbye to her teaching career, but the countless students whose lives have been touched by her through her care. She’s described as a gift to the school by her fellow colleagues. Reflecting at her time at Brookside, she shared, “All schools seek to educate children but the way we educate here and the resources that we have to pass on, that it’s a very special place and treasure that”. She also expresses a great gratitude for her colleagues, saying “I’ve never met a group of more caring, creative, and passionate people.” As she turns to the next page in her chapter, her legacy will live on within the lower school library in the imaginations of the children whose love of reading she helped to spark.
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  • CKAA President Ekta Wilcox inducted Fran Dagbovie as an Honorary Alumna

    CKAA inducts Fran and Prospero Dagbovie as Honorary Alumni, Celebrate Stacy Rivard and more

    Click here to congratulate Fran and Prosper Dagbovie on their new status as honorary alumni
    Click here to wish GMS Head Stacy Rivard well as she retires

    At their final meeting of the the 2024-25 school year, the Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association celebrated longtime faculty, inducting former faculty members Fran and Prospero Dagbovie as Honorary Alumni, and presenting retiring GMS Head Stacy Rivard with the Alumni Appreciation award. The event was held at Coeur in Royal Oak, owned and operated by Jordan Smith '07.

    CKAA President Ekta Lobo Wilcox '89 inducted Fran who was present in person to accept the honor. CKAA President-Elect Ian Perkins '05 presented Prospero as Honorary Alumnus. While he couldn't be there in person due to health considerations, a delegation from the CKAA will pay him a visit to deliver their school rings soon!

    View more photos of the event by clicking here.

    You can leave a note of congratulations for the Dagbovies and Stacy Rivard at Reunion at our "Faculty Milestones" event at Reunion on Saturday, June 7 at the Cranbrook Library, 3:30- 5pm.

    Click here to register for the Faculty Milestones event and other Reunion events.
    If you can't join us in person, you can congratulate our honorary alumni on their sharing page. Follow the links below.
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  • Kimberly Dowdell ’01 addresses Class of 2025 at Baccalaureate

    On May 19th, alumna Kimberly Dowdell ’01 returned to campus to speak at Baccalaureate, the farewell to the senior class. Dr. Suzik introduced Dowdell, a principal at global design firm HOK who just finished her term as the 100th President of the American Institute of Architects in 2024, noting that she was named Distinguished Alumna in 2021. Dowdell acknowledged that it was meaningful to her to be able to address the class of 2025 from the pulpit of Christ Church Cranbrook, the setting of her own graduation in 2001, as the 2021 graduation had been held in the Cranbrook Oval due to COVID protocols.
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  • Cranbrook Student Shines at International Science Fair with Innovative Robot Drone System

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  • Surprise Celebration at MSB Honors Exceptional Achievements in Student Journalism

    Advisor, student, and publication all receive highest honors in the state.
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  • Science Education Takes Flight!

    Cranbrook Teacher Ashlie Smith and the Middle School for Girls Micro Gravity Team featured on WDIV.
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  • Photos: StudentandAthlete

    CK Girls Claim League Championships in Tennis and Lacrosse!

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  • Bill Prady '77, Rob Edwards '81, David Baxter '82

    Hollywood Calling: Three Alumni Offer Unique Entertainment Experience in Support of Cranbrook Schools

    Three Cranbrook Kingswood alumni—each a creative force in the entertainment industry—are giving back to the community that helped shape their path. Bill Prady ’77, Rob Edwards ’81, and David Baxter ’82 have come together to offer an unforgettable Hollywood experience as a featured item in the live auction at Cranbrook Schools’ Window to the World gala on May 10, 2025.
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  • Kimberly Dowdell '01, Baccalaureate 2025 Keynote

    Kimberly Dowdell ’01 to Address the Class of 2025 at Baccalaureate May 18

    On Sunday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m., Cranbrook Schools will welcome Kimberly Dowdell ’01 as the keynote speaker for the 92nd Annual Baccalaureate Service, held in honor of the graduating Class of 2025.

    A distinguished alumna, architect, and civic leader, Kimberly is a principal at global design firm HOK and served as the 100th President of the American Institute of Architects in 2024. Her career is rooted in the belief that good design can uplift lives and strengthen communities—an inspiring message for our newest graduates as they prepare to step into the world beyond Cranbrook.
     
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  • Tod Williams '61

    Tod Williams ’61: Two Exclusive Architecture Tours Up for Auction at Cranbrook’s Window to the World

    As part of Cranbrook Schools’ second annual Window to the World community gala on May 10, 2025, world-renowned architect and Cranbrook Schools alumnus Tod Williams ’61 is offering two once-in-a-lifetime experiences: private, architect-led tours of two of his firm’s most celebrated projects—the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.

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  • April

    Crane Clarion Alumni and Faculty gather to celebrate Jordan Rossen

    On Friday, April 25 Crane Clarion alumni and faculty advisors came together to surprise English Teacher and newspaper advisor Jordan Rossen in celebration of his 10th year teaching at Cranbrook Schools. It was a great celebration and brought together current and past Crane Clarion reporters and advisors. Mr. Rossen's colleague Dr. Gania Barlow was on hand, as was former faculty member and current Crane Clarion advisor David Watson. Ric Bowdy came from northern Michigan. Crane Clarion alumni from recent classes got together to catch up with Mr. Rossen and each other.
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  • Dirk Denison '75, Distinguished Alumnus 2025

    Dirk Denison '75, Distinguished Alumnus 2025

    Architect Dirk Denison, ’75, always puts people at the center of his work
    Award-winning architect Dirk Denison was part of the Cranbrook family even before he was born. His parents met and fell in love there, and over the course of the next seven decades, scores of other family members walked its halls. Dirk’s own journey began just down the road at Christ Church, where he attended nursery school before starting at Brookside, on his way to becoming a Cranbrook “lifer.”
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  • Students with David Lynn '72 in the Kingswood Library

    Editor and Writer David Lynn ’72 Surprises, Delights at Kingswood

    “It helps to get you here, to be here,” David Lynn ‘72 recites to students in Gordon Thompson’s Creative Writing Workshop. They finish handwriting the words and sentences that end a three-minute freewriting session. David is on campus to share his experience as the twenty-six-year editor of the Kenyon Review and longtime professor of English at Kenyon College.

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  • Visit the reunion Sharing Pages

    Reunion 2025: Share Congratulations, Condolences and more

    As Reunion draws near, we enter a season that is both joyful and reflective—celebrating the accomplishments of our distinguished alumni, honoring retiring faculty, and remembering the beloved teachers and administrators we have lost over the past year. In that spirit, we invite alumni from around the world to visit our Sharing Pages: dedicated spaces where you can post messages of congratulations, gratitude, and remembrance. Whether you are celebrating our 2025 Distinguished Alumni, extending well wishes to retiring faculty, or sharing memories of those who left a lasting mark on our community, your reflections help keep the Cranbrook Kingswood spirit alive.
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  • CKAA 2024-25

    Alumni Association Annual Meeting & Alumni Gathering May 14

    CKAA Annual Meeting & Alumni Gathering
    Wednesday, May 14 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
    The CKAA invites you to a very special evening with some longtime faculty.
    Come celebrate the enduring legacy of Fran and Prospero Dagbovie with us. Wish Girls Middle School Head Stacy Rivard well as she retires after 22 years. 

    The Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association is holding their Alumni Gathering & Annual Meeting at Coeur, described by HOUR Detroit as "a new destination for fine dining that comes with a stellar culinary pedigree but none of the pretense". Chef-owner and CK alum Jordan Smith '07 and his team look forward to hosting this event at their unique space.
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  • Cranbrook Adds Another Debate All-American to Growing Legacy

    Program has seen 14 students recognized since 2019.
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  • Winter of Champions II: CK Students Distinguish Themselves across Wide Range of Endeavors

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  • Photo: Kettering University

    Cranbrook Coding Team Tops in State at "Bulldog Battles" Competition

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  • Spring Break Brings Historic Achievements for CK Athletics

    Boys Swimming Three-Peats, Two Students Chosen as MHSAA Scholar-Athletes.
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  • March

    Alumni Wilderness Leaders 2025

    Alumni Leaders support Wilderness Expedition 56

    Alumni from across had a strong presence in WE56, as sixteen graduates returned for the annual trek to the Smokies. Josh Maher '16, Adrian Stone '20, Arash Babaoff '84, Nate Gorman '22, Ian Perkins '05, Bobby Tarchinski '13, Betsy Saylor '16, Courtney Wright '17, Lauren Reno Phettenplace '15, Emma Van Houten '20, Alex Smith '23, Emma Block '20, Kelly Snyder Levasseur '98, Roxanne Shaviro '22, Maggie Baumgartner '23 and Lexi Fournier O'Kulich '09 carved out time to support CK sophomores on their journey through the beautiful Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests of North Carolina and Tennessee. Click here for the full size photo.

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  • Alan Simpson '50, Post-grad from Cody, Wyoming

    Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson '50 Memorial Service

    Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson '50 passed away on March 14 and his memorial service was held in Cody, Wyoming on March 31. The service was livestreamed by Wyoming PBS on YouTube, and in his introduction of his father, Bill Simpson included his post-graduate year at Cranbrook and mentioned how much Alan loved his time at the school.

    The service also featured an homage by his brother Pete Simpson '49. Click here to watch Dr. Simpson's eulogy for his brother Al.
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  • Sue Spencer, Science Department Head 1981-1998

    In Memoriam: Sue Spencer

    Former faculty member Sue Hahn Spencer passed away earlier this month. Sue came to Cranbrook in the fall of 1981 as Dr. Hahn, taking on the role of head of the Science Department and becoming part of the Cranbrook residential life program. She married Robert Spencer in 1989 and moved off campus, but stayed very active in campus life, serving as a Wilderness leader for many years, including the 1993 blizzard and beyond. Dr. Spencer received the Alumni Appreciation award in 1998. She stepped down as department head that year, but continued to work part time at the school for two years as lab technician and tutoring students. Former students and colleagues noted her passion for chemistry, her intrepid spirit and her devotion the teaching of science. Upon her retirement, Spencer stated that "Cranbrook is a unique place in the world and the beauty never ceases to amaze me."

    Here is a link to her obituary to share condolences or memories: bit.ly/ckInMemSSpencer
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  • Janet Kapala with students

    Remembering Janet Kapala

    We are saddened to share the passing of former instrumental music teacher Janet Kapala. From 1977 to 2016, "Mrs. K" inspired CK band students from Lower to Upper School with her joy, warmth, and love of music. In the course of her long Cranbrook career, she shared her own significant musical talents with the community, with memorable flute and saxophone performances and more.  Over four decades, she nurtured young musicians from their tentative beginnings in lower school and guided accomplished upper schoolers to award-winning performances - all with equal joy, care, and dedication.

    Click here for her obituary page and to leave a memory or condolence
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  • San Francisco Alumni Enjoy Behind the Scenes Tour of Exploratorium

    On March 6, San Francisco area alumni gathered at the Exploratorium at Pier 15.  The evening featured a wonderful behind the scenes tour hosted by alumna Amy Snyder ’80, who is the Exploratorium Director of Photography. Snyder's tour gave the group access to spots like The Exhibit Shop, where technicians maintain the collection of more than 650 exhibits and develop new ones.
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  • Alumni Event at U-M Creates New Connections Across the Community

    For the second consecutive year, the Cranbrook community on campus at the University of Michigan gathered at the Union to reconnect and celebrate the shared Cranbrook experience. Graduate students, seniors looking forward to graduation, and freshmen finishing their first year had the opportunity to meet one another as well as local alumni, faculty, and staff.
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  • Virtual Career Chat with Aubrey Agee '92

    Leaders in the Environment (LITE) career chat with Aubrey Agee '92

    Right before spring break, the Leaders in the Environment Club (LITE) hosted a career chat with CK alumnus Aubrey Agee '92. Mr. Agee is aNet Zero Developer and Sustainability Champion who has worked i He talked about his current initiative with EcoWorks, focused on .developing environmentally friendly, net-zero spaces for community-based organizations.

    To watch excerpts of the virtual career chat with Aubrey Agee '92, click here.

    Go to the main Alumni News page 
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  • UPDATE: Boys Hockey State Championships Game Today!

    Tickets available now!
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  • The Connect to CK Challenge starts next week!

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  • February

    Alumni Event at Cranbrook Institute of Science

    After their normal closing time last Sunday afternoon, the Cranbrook Institute of Science opened their doors to Cranbrook Schools alumni and their guests, who who enjoyed exploring the exhibits, including "The Science of Archimedes," a planetarium show on the Michigan Sky and visits to the observatory. There was a record turnout for this annual event which was hosted by the Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association.

    Click here to view photos of this event and other alumni gatherings.

    Go to the main Alumni News page 
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  • Gretchen Markle Thams and Marjorie Smith Hendrick, both '45, plan for their 80th reunion

    Class of '45 looks forward to 80th Reunion June 6-8

    Milestone classes ending in 5 and 0 are beginning to buzz about their upcoming milestone reunions coming up this June 6-7-8, and that includes the class of 1945! Kingswood classmates Gretchen Markle Thams and Marjorie Smith Hendrick, both from the class of '45 got together to talk about their upcoming 80th reunion. At their reunion meeting they reminisced about classmates and their Kingswood days together, and made plans to show off campus to family members that weekend.
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  • March 6 Alumni Gathering at the San Francisco Exploratorium

    March 6 Alumni Gathering in San Francisco at the Exploratorium's Amy Snyder '80

    On Thursday, March 6, alumni who live or work in the San Francisco area will have the opportunity to gather at the Exploratorium. The evening will feature a behind the scenes tour hosted by alumna Amy Snyder '80, who is the Exploratorium Director of Photography. The tour will take place from 6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the After Dark Lounge on the Moore East Gallery Mezzanine from 7:00-9:00 p.m. It will be an exciting evening with the opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni living in the Northern California area, as well as Cranbrook Schools leadership.

    Thursday, March 6 | 6:00-9:00 p.m.
    6:00-7:00 p.m. (Tour)
    7:00-9:00 p.m. (Reception)
    Exploratorium
    Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111

    Register for this event by emailing alumni@cranbrook.edu and let us know if you plan to join us for the tour, the reception, or both! Space is limited.
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  • Tech Industry Career Mentoring & Networking Event sponsored by the CKAA

    On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, more than 85 alumni from four Detroit-area Independent Schools including Cranbrook, University Liggett School, Roeper, and Detroit Country Day School attended the second annual Detroit Independent Schools Joint Alumni networking event at TechTown Detroit.

    The Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association (CKAA) were sponsors of this career networking event, which was was geared toward alumni either within or transitioning to the tech industry. Representing Cranbrook Schools, alumni speakers included Ian Perkins ’05 (moderator) and Phyllip Hall ’84 (panelist). Each school represented featured a panelist.

    Ian Perkins led the group in a thoughtful panel discussion that spoke to their varied careers in tech and touched on industry trends, ethical concerns and the rise and emergence of technology-based companies in the Metro Detroit area.

    After the panel discussion concluded, alumni guests from the four schools stayed to mix, mingle and network with each other. It was a wonderful, collaborative evening, and alumni can expect to see more events like this planned in the future with a focus on other industries.

    Visit the alumni gallery for photos and video from this event and other alumni gatherings


    Go to the main Alumni News page 
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  • Faculty Sabbatical Research Sheds New Light on Iconic Pop Sculptor with a Cranbrook Connection

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  • The Upper School CK Theatre program proudly presents MUSEUM by Tina Howe

    March 6, 7, & 8 in the Cranbrook Performing Arts Center
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  • Dr. Barbara Bowen Oberg '60

    Kingswood '60 remembers classmate Barbara Bowen Oberg

    Dr. Barbara Bowen Oberg ‘60, renowned early American historian, editor, and scholar died at Connecticut Hospice in Branford on September 14, 2024.

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  • Team 39H

    Three Cranbrook Teams Headed to the VEX Robotics World Championship!

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  • Seven-Year Streak: CK Student Named Debate Academic All-American

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  • January

    Sam Salas (Cranbrook 1960 - 1962, 1964 - 1987)

    Remembering Sam Salas

    It is with sadness we share that Cranbrook Schools mentor, friend and former colleague Sam Salas passed away on January 17, 2025. He will be remembered at Reunion 2025, June 6-7-8.
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  • Detroit Icon, saxophonist Dave McMurray '73

    Dave McMurray '73 to perform on campus with fellow Detroit Icons

    Blue Note recording artist and Cranbrook and HUB alum, Dave McMurray '73 will be performing at Kingswood Auditorium February 7 with composer/pianist/singer Alvin Waddles, and Gospel vocalist, Rosa Warner-Jones. The artists will present a tribute to music legends Fats Waller, John Coltrane and Mahalia Jackson.   During the day the trio will also be presenting special performances for students from Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School, Cranbrook Kingswood Boys/Girls Middle School, and Horizons-Upward Bound. There are a limited number of tickets still available for the event, which is hosted by Cranbrook Schools along with its performing arts parent volunteer board BRAVO. See below for registration information.

    In anticipation of the event, FocusCK caught up with the celebrated saxophonist
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  • Students Embrace Mentoring Opportunities at the annual CKAA Career Fair

    On January 29th the Kingswood auditorium and dining hall were a hive of activity as 70 career mentors and nearly 200 juniors and seniors came together. The event, which has been held in this format since 2014, is sponsored by the Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association, and involves outreach to local alumni and friends who serve as mentors in an evening of one-on-one conversations about educational paths, career choices and more.
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  • Tech Industry Career Mentoring & Networking Event February 25

    CKAA Hosts Tech Industry Career Mentoring & Networking Event February 25

    On Tuesday, February 25, the Cranbrook Kingswood Alumni Association (CKAA) is hosting a Tech Industry Career Mentoring & Networking Event from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at TechTown Detroit. The event will begin with a panel featuring local industry experts, followed by a networking session for professionals from all levels of experience.
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  • Bob Wilson '76

    Interview with CEC Trustee Bob Wilson '76

    Interview with Cranbrook Educational Community trustee Bob Wilson '76. Bob is a multi-generational alumnus who, along with his wife and fellow CEC trustee Sandy Smith, has served the community in a multitude of ways over the years. In addition to his role as a CEC Trustee, Wilson is a Cranbrook Art Academy governor and a member of Cranbrook's Center for Collections and Research Committee.
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  • SOLD OUT! Giant Steps: Hear three Detroit icons celebrate three American legends. 

    Thank you for your wonderful response!
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  • Photos: StudentandAthlete

    CK Girls Claim League Championships in Tennis and Lacrosse!

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  • Window to the World

    Pathways to Excellence: Empowering Minds, Shaping the World.
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  • All-School Open House this Sunday

    Cranbrook Schools’ Winter Open House is Sunday, January 12, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
     
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