About Pillars Academy

Pillars Academy is a new K-8 tuition-free public school committed to providing all students a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment. Serving the community with a rigorous and engaging curriculum, we empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for future success. Managed by Global Educational Excellence, a leader in K-12 education in Michigan, Pillars Academy emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and strong community engagement. We are dedicated to cultivating future leaders who are confident, compassionate, and prepared to make a positive impact.

Founded in 2025, located in Southfield, MI, serving Grades K–8.
Mission: To promote lifelong learning by nurturing academic excellence, positive character traits, and appreciation of cultures.
Vision: To be recognized as a leader in rigorous, culturally responsive K‑8 education.
Beliefs: inclusive learning, challenging standards above state requirements, safe and multicultural environment, partnership with parents/community, lifelong learning.
What We Offer: Tuition‑free, comprehensive curriculum including Arabic language, STEM, humanities, arts; character education; 1:1 technology; after‑school programming; family engagement.

Principal: Layla Shalabi

About Global Educational Excellence

GLOBAL EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE (GEE) is an educational management company that was founded in 1998 by Mohamad Issa and Dr. Said Issa. GEE was established as a vehicle for developing educational environments that offer all children quality educational opportunities. Since 1998, the GEE family of schools has grown to include thirteen campuses in the following cities: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Hamtramck, Detroit, Southfield, and Warren.