Detroit Service Learning Academy was opened in the Fall of 1999 under the name "YMCA Service Learning Academy".  In 2007 the academy terminated its relationship with the YMCA and officially changed its name to Detroit Service Learning Academy.  Detroit Service Learning Academy is chartered by Lake Superior State University and as of July 1, 2011 was approved for conversion to a school of excellence , and issued a charter to operate as a school of excellence for a 10 year term.