Private Elementary School in Harlem, New York City

Harlem Academy, New York City:
Harlem Academy, located in East Harlem at 1330 Fifth Avenue in New York City is a private elementary school. At our school dedicated families, teachers, and supporters work together to provide educational opportunity to children whose potential might otherwise go unrealized. Established in 2004 with a first grade class of 12 students, one grade is added each year, as the school builds toward a vision for an elementary and middle school program in Harlem that matches the standards of any independent school in New York City.

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Harlem Academy’s program was developed through a grant from the Goldman Sachs Foundation in partnership with Columbia University. This allows access for low and moderate income families based on a sliding scale formula for setting tuition. As the school has grown, major funding has been received from many generous individuals with an interest in supporting transformative educational opportunities. The school’s Board of Trustees and advisory team include eight current or former school heads, as well as leaders from business, education, and the local community.

We have a straightforward goal for each student: to attain the level of academic achievement and character development required to enter and thrive at top secondary schools.

It is toward this goal that we structure programs, develop curricula, hire teachers, and admit students. It is against this goal that we measure the success of our students, our faculty, and the school as a whole.

As an independent school, admission to Harlem Academy is selective. 12% of inquiring families are admitted to the school based on uniform criteria for family partnership, engagement in the learning process, and academic potential.

Over 90% of admitted families choose to enroll, and every enrolling family signs a contract stating their financial and personal investment in their child's education. This investment is non-negotiable, but tuition is set to a sliding scale based on household income. No student is ever turned away for financial reasons.

Harlem Academy's curriculum was developed with Columbia University's Institute for Urban and Minority Education to include more than five hours of rigorous, academic instruction each day. Our comprehensive, extended-day format also includes visual and performing arts, athletics, independent reading, and extensive opportunities to explore the cultural resources of our city.

Our curriculum covers Literacy, Mathematics, Arts, Sciences, Athletics and Choice. During choice (60 minutes most days), students choose from a range of fun and challenging learning activities, including chess, mancala, painting, performance arts, and construction. These supplemental learning opportunities build cooperative skills, reasoning, and creativity while promoting a sense of personal empowerment.

Two teachers work with each class of no more than eighteen students to build a values-based school culture with emphasis on courtesy, cooperation, perseverance, and personal responsibility.

The children of Harlem deserve a school that challenges, guides, and supports them to the full realization of their academic potential and sets the foundation for long-term academic and life success. Harlem Academy is that school.