Est. 1978 · Detroit
The alumni association of Renaissance High School — scholarships, mentorship, and a network that comes back.
Our mission
The mission of the Detroit Renaissance High School Alumni Association (DRHSAA) is simple: to fiercely support and promote the interests, well-being, and excellence of Renaissance High School students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
1978
Founded
On the former Catholic Central site
1981
First graduating class
First four-year class, 1982
45
Classes of Phoenix
1981 to today
100%
College-bound
As reported by the school
What we do
Four things, done properly
The association's own priorities, in the association's own order.
01
Scholarships
Providing scholarships for graduating seniors.
02
Mentorship
Mentoring current students.
03
Student life
Funding extracurricular activities.
04
Network
Providing opportunities for alumni to network and stay connected.
Class hubs
Every class gets its own home
Reunions have always been organised class by class, in group chats and on Facebook — and the work disappears the moment the party ends. A hub per class means the next committee inherits something.
The record
Nearly fifty years of rising
2005
A new building, and a state title
The school is dedicated at the site of the former Sinai Hospital. The same year, the girls' team wins the Class B state championship under coach Diane Jones.
2017
The IB programme begins
A full International Baccalaureate programme launches in the autumn.
2023
National chess champions
Thirteen students win the U800 national title at the US Chess Federation National High School Championship in Washington DC, against 67 teams — a year after placing eighth.
2025
A clean sweep of the city
Renaissance takes both the boys' and girls' PSL championships — the boys' first league title in 21 years.
2026
Four in a row
The Lady Phoenix beat Mumford 63–37 for a fourth consecutive PSL championship.
Featured Phoenix
They went to Renaissance
A Pulitzer winner, a city councilmember, a Super Bowl champion — and a national chess title. All out of one school on West Outer Drive.
Membership
Membership is what pays for the scholarships
Every year the association raises its scholarship fund from its own members. Join, renew or give — it goes to a graduating Phoenix.
A School for the Mind, A Mind for the Future