(AP) — DETROIT - A group of foundations has teamed up on a $200 million plan to start 70 new schools for Detroit children as part of an effort to replace low-performing schools with high-performing ones.

The group led by the nonprofit Skillman Foundation plans to announce details Thursday, the Detroit Free Press reported. Startup funds would be offered for public, charter or private schools in Detroit or nearby suburbs.

"This is definitely not about trying to replace the Detroit Public Schools," said Tonya Allen, a vice president with the Skillman Foundation. "It`s about figuring out how we scale up as many good schools as possible. It`s about trying to replicate what we know works."

A nonpartisan research organization called Michigan Future Inc. has started Michigan Future Schools, which plans to start seven high schools through 2012. The plan is to open 35 high schools by 2018.

The district, the state`s largest, supports the idea for new high schools and received a $50,000 grant to study the feasibility of a new science and medical high school, the newspaper said.

"To dream, plan and actualize a quality high school where students thrive academically and graduate prepared for success in college can serve as a model for new school development throughout the city and beyond," said Barbara Byrd-Bennett, chief academic and accountability auditor for the district.

The district frequently scores woefully low on standardized tests. Its finances are being run by Robert Bobb, an emergency financial manager appointed last year by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. He has closed 29 schools and is working to restructure the district, improve academics and boost enrollment.