Harlem Academy

Harlem Academy is an independent, nonprofit, co-educational school (grades 1-8) accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS).[1] It was founded in 2004.

Not to be confused with Harlem Academy School in Tampa, Florida.

Academics and curriculum

Primary and elementary school

The primary division includes first and second grade, and the elementary division includes grades three through five. A lead and associate teacher guide each class. A strong focus on literacy is featured in a number of daily programs, including literature study, word study, guided reading, and writing.

In math, students develop a broad understanding of mathematical concepts and an in-depth knowledge of mathematical operations and procedures.

In science, students engage in the process of scientific investigation and inquiry, focusing on the development of scientific and engineering skills, non-fiction reading and writing skills, and content knowledge. The school uses FOSS (Full Option Science System), a curriculum developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science and the University of California at Berkeley that encourages hands-on experiential learning. Units focus on life, physical, and earth sciences.

Middle school

The middle school includes grades six through eight. The middle school is designed around subject-based specialists, challenging students to navigate a schedule, multiple environments, and different class structures. Middle school students focus on core subject skills development. The curriculum is designed so that skills and content taught in one subject are reinforced and developed in others.

The English program is first and foremost a study of good literature. In each grade, novels are grouped thematically and frequently align with the history curriculum. Independent reading is a central component of our English program. Skills are reinforced and assessed with the Accelerated Reader program, which helps students to identify materials at their appropriate reading level and challenges them to respond to analytical and comprehension questions about their independent reading choices. Once students demonstrate consistent 90% achievement in Accelerated Reader, they move on to the next level.

In math, students develop a thorough understanding of concepts and advanced problem-solving skills. Content is presented using the Math in Focus Singapore math program.[2] Topics encompass all the Common Core math strands: Ratios & Proportional Reasoning, The Number System, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, Statistics & Probability, and Functions. New material is introduced in both concrete and pictorial settings, followed by an examination of corresponding formulas to synthesize observations into meaningful mathematics. To differentiate instruction, students who demonstrate strong mathematical foundations cover advanced topics in pull-out “math lab” sessions and will complete a full algebra I curriculum. Advanced students have the opportunity to participate in national contests, like MOEMS and Mathcounts.

The science program allows students to hone the skills of scientists through scientific inquiry, analysis, and validation of experimental information and data. Each year, students focus on eight core scientific practices aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards developed by the National Academy of Science. Students also receive explicit instruction on reading challenging scientific texts, and they practice strategies for identifying important terms and summarizing shorter sections. Some units use Full Option Science System (FOSS) and Delta Science inquiry-based modules as a foundation.

The history curriculum instills an understanding of the complex factors that shaped historical events. Critical periods and events are analyzed through a structural framework of six components: government, geography, economics, religion, social groups, and history. The curriculum allows students to explore history through a blend of print and digital materials that emphasize active inquiry, strong literacy connections, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning.

The core curriculum is supplemented by a variety of arts and elective activities, including dance fitness, sports camp, visual arts, the school play, and Shakespeare performance workshops.[3]

The middle school curriculum also includes three overnight trips to Princeton-Blairstown Center, Washington D.C., and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.[4][5][6]

Admissions [7]

Harlem Academy is a selective independent school accessible to families of all economic backgrounds. Every family pays some tuition, but no student is denied admission for financial reasons. Tuition is determined on a sliding scale according to each family's ability to pay.[8]

The admissions process begins with attendance at an informational meeting and continues with an application and an interview. The application is composed of teacher recommendations, report cards, and standardized test scores.[9]

Partnerships and Publications[10][11]

Harlem Academy has developed innovative partnerships with universities, corporations, and nonprofit organizations to offer authentic and engaging experiences for students. Program partners include Classic Stage Company, Columbia University Neuroscience Department, Poetry Society of America, Princeton Blairstown Center, Rafael Viñoly Architects, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Additionally, Harlem Academy relies on volunteers to maintain and augment its program. Volunteers have served as mentors, participated in practice interviews with students in preparation for secondary school applications,[12] helped classes produce their own magazine,[13] and taught art history with accompanying guided visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.[14]


Capital Campaign[15]

In 2014, Harlem Academy purchased a half-acre lot at 655 St. Nicholas Avenue to build a permanent campus.

The campaign was officially announced in May of 2019 and titled Future Leaders: The Capital Campaign for Harlem Academy. Construction began in August of 2020 with a projected completion of fall 2021.

The new five-story, 29,000-square-foot school building will allow Harlem Academy to nearly double its student population, strengthen its program, and reduce cost per student. The new school will include a library, flexible classrooms with strong technology, a multipurpose community space, and a dedicated play yard.

Board of Trustees[16]

Board chair David B. Peterson is CEO of Onera Media, Inc. Additional trustees:

  • Tony Asnes is the head of investor relations at Pershing Square Capital Management, LP.
  • John Belizaire is CEO of Soluna.
  • W. Graham Cole is the former head of school for the Westminster School in Connecticut.
  • Will Cook is the founder & portfolio manager of Sunriver Management LLC.
  • Mary Ganzenmuller is a former public school teacher and founder of Bray Family Academy.
  • Doug Griebel is the co-founder and former chairman of Rosa Mexicano Restaurants.
  • Dale Hemmerdinger is chairman of ATCO.
  • Valarie A. Hing is a partner at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP.
  • Ann MacRae is involved with a number of education programs and schools throughout New York City as a trustee of the Cat MacRae Fund.
  • Elizabeth McHenry is a professor and the chair of the English department at New York University, where she teaches American and African American literature.
  • Betsy S. Michel is currently a trustee of Drew University where she chairs the academic affairs committee.
  • Rodney Pope is vice president and senior human relations director at Turner Construction.
  • Hank Prybylski is the EY Americas Advisory vice chair.
  • Tom Reycraft is founder and CEO of Benchmark Education Company, LLC
  • Richard Schaps is CEO of Van Wagner Group.
  • Hillary Thomas is chief operating officer of the Sports and Entertainment Group at Van Wagner Communications, LLC.
  • Michael Toporek is the co-founder and managing general partner of Brookstone Partners.
  • Alan Washington is the head of real estate development at Success Academy Charter Schools.

References
  1. "New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS): Harlem Academy". www.nysais.org. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  2. "What is Singapore Math? | Singapore Math". Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  3. "Middle School". Harlem Academy. 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  4. "Lessons of a Leader". Harlem Academy. 2020-02-03. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  5. "Harlem Academy Spotlighted in MIT Technology Review". Harlem Academy. 2018-01-30. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  6. "Out of the City, Into the Wilderness". Harlem Academy. 2019-10-16. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  7. "Introduction". Harlem Academy. 2020-04-29. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  8. "The Educational Landscape". Harlem Academy. 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  9. "How to Apply". Harlem Academy. 2020-05-05. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  10. "Publications". Harlem Academy. 2018-09-14. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  11. "Program Partners". Harlem Academy. 2018-11-06. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  12. "Secondary School Placement". Harlem Academy. 2018-11-15. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  13. "Moving Up!". Harlem Academy. 2019-06-13. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  14. "Supporter Spotlight: Ann And Cameron MacRae". Harlem Academy. 2018-11-02. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  15. "Capital Campaign". Harlem Academy. 2019-05-07. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  16. "Leadership". Harlem Academy. 2016-06-08. Retrieved 2020-10-01.

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