In 1980 a task force was formed in the City of Detroit because it was evident that there were many bright and talented students attending the Detroit Public schools whose needs were not being met. In a city where so many students are below or barely at grade level, students that were bright were often ignored or used as helpers but clearly not challenged and allowed to meet their potential. The task force studied gifted programs all across the country and determined the program that would best meet the needs of the urban gifted child. In many settings, gifted education consisted of pullout programs in a regular school. The task force determined that for the urban gifted child a full time program would best meet the needs of those students. It was also emphasized that any program would not only include academically gifted children but would also include those gifted in music, drama, and art. Thus, in September of 1981, Detroit Public School for the Gifted and Talented was opened in a building shared by the Field School. Jesse Jackson attended the gala opening and challenged all to meet the needs of this special population. The challenge was welcomed and thus the first urban, public school in the nation was born. The program began with grades one to six with grade seven and eight added in the next two years respectfully. The program was extremely challenging and the staff took graduate classes in gifted education right at the school. From the very beginning, great emphasis was placed on the arts and extremely challenging academic work.

In September, 1982 the school was moved to its own building in the former Keating School. Strong ties weredeveloped even then with Wayne State University, Coleman Young Center and the University of Michigan so students could experience exciting, challenging opportunities not usually open to urban children. In 1983, the name of the school was changed to Alonzo W. Bates Academy and a formal dedication was held. Over the years, attempts have been made to develop trustees, adoptions and support groups to assist in the needs of the school as federal funds are not available to Bates Academy. The school has moved twice since then to its present location near Marygrove College in the former Immaculata High School Building. Students have excelled in many pursuits and gained National Recognition. Students win awards in art, music, drama, debate, academic games and many different areas. Students have gone on to attend the finest colleges and universities in the country and have become extremely successful in a variety of careers.

Bates Academy is a school that students must apply for admission based on test scores, grades and recommendations. Each year there are many more applicants than spots available and a long waiting list continues to grow. The school works and certainly meets many needs long ignored in a urban school district. Children from all across the city are serviced. Students of all racial, economic and ethnic groups are educated by a talented and dedicated staff. As the school prepares to begin its twenty-third year the accomplishments are many and the impact it has made on the lives of students and the community is immeasurable. Bates Academy is a program that works and looks for increased support.