named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
Bridges Mathematics Curriculum
Constructivist, hands-on math program supplemented with Number Corner and Workplaces to build conceptual understanding and fluency
EL Education K-8 English Language Arts
Standards-based literacy curriculum using real-world content to engage students in reading, writing, and critical thinking across disciplines
El Sistema Music Program
Daily ensemble-based music instruction in orchestra and choir for all students, based on the El Sistema model emphasizing social change, community, and musical excellence
FOSS Science Program
Hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum where students conduct experiments and investigations aligned with Next Generation Science Standards
Inclusion & Special Education Services
Co-teaching model with ICT classrooms, SETSS, speech, OT, PT, counseling, and hearing services to support students with IEPs and ELLs
Responsive Classroom & Second Step SEL
Social-emotional learning program integrating Responsive Classroom practices and Second Step curriculum to build students’ emotional regulation, empathy, and interpersonal skills
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Music Education and Training Programs 5 activities
- Deliver rigorous academic and music education in a positive learning environmentProvides rigorous academic instruction integrated with intensive music education to a diverse student population, operating as a public charter school in New York. The program emphasizes individualized, inclusive learning grounded in evidence-based curricula and pedagogical models.
- Facilitate student performance and creative music projectsProvides regular performance and "informance" opportunities for students at all levels and implements hands-on music projects such as the cross-curricular "paper orchestra," where students construct paper-mache string instruments.
- Implement music literacy instruction using Kodály and Music Learning TheoryTeaches music literacy through a language-learning progression based on the Kodály philosophy and Music Learning Theory, integrating auditory, vocal, and kinesthetic learning to develop students' musical understanding and expression.
- Operate community music outreach programRuns the WHIN Music Project, an El Sistema-inspired initiative serving hundreds of students and families in Washington Heights and Inwood, extending music education beyond the school day and into the broader community.
- Provide daily ensemble music instruction grounded in El Sistema philosophyDelivers two daily periods of ensemble music instruction to all students five days a week, rooted in the El Sistema model, with daily orchestra and choir instruction aimed at fostering musical development, discipline, and community engagement.
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Structured Literacy Instruction and Dyslexia Support 1 activity
- Deliver daily comprehensive literacy instruction aligned with research-based assessmentsProvides 120–150 minutes of daily literacy instruction integrating reading, writing, speaking, listening, and foundational skills, including a daily one-hour phonics block based on Dr. Linnea Ehri’s Phase Theory. Students are assessed four times per year using the STEP assessment and through unit-level performance tasks.
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Youth Health and Wellness Education 1 activity
- Deliver physical and wellness education through structured activitiesOffers physical education using the Physical Best curriculum tailored to individual student capabilities, includes Music & Movement classes using Dalcroze Eurhythmics to develop motor and sensory skills, and provides structured recess games as part of a comprehensive wellness program.
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Student Progress Assessment & Program Evaluation 1 activity
- Deliver structured mathematics instruction with ongoing assessmentConducts daily Number Corner sessions to reinforce number sense and place value, administers benchmark math assessments four times per year using the Assessing Math Concepts (AMC) tool in lower grades, and uses lesson-aligned observational checklists and summative assessments to monitor student progress.
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Family-School Engagement Programs 1 activity
- Support family engagement and access to school resourcesProvides families with downloadable resources including the school calendar, FERPA policy, district safety plan, ARP-ESSER forms, and uniform purchase links, along with informational support to promote student academic success.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Deliver science education through cross-curricular modulesImplements three science modules per year at each grade level, designed to build deep content knowledge through an integrated, inquiry-based approach.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$12.87M
Contributions & grants$3.31M26%
Program service revenue$9.53M74%
Investment income$32K0%
Other revenue$-258
expenses
Total expenses$14.34M
Program expenses80%
Admin / overhead19%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$7.17M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$77.82M
Cash$1.23M
Investments$0
Liabilities$77.42M
Net assets$398K
Liquid reserves1.0 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +40.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 6
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLES ORTIZ | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $269K |
| MICHAEL DREXLER | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | 40 | $162K |
| DAVID TOME | ATHLETIC DIRECTOR | 40 | $151K |
| FARRAH WALDMAN | CHIEF OF STAFF | 40 | $148K |
| JON FREGA | PRINCIPAL | 40 | $137K |
| ABIGAIL EDMUNDS | DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION | 40 | $121K |
board members · 7
- CYNTHIA IVANIK — SECRETARY
- GREGORY E DAVID — TRUSTEE
- HEIDI MORALES — TRUSTEE - RESIGNED DURING YEAR
- IVONNE NORMAN ESQ — SECRETARY - RESIGNED DURING YEAR
- JOSHUA BEDERMAN — TREASURER & VICE CHAIR
- ROBERT S GREEN — TRUSTEE
- SHEWAR KHAN — BOARD CHAIR
relationships · 8
Who they work with
- Assessing Math Concepts (AMC) Partner — Adopts AMC as the performance-based assessment tool for evaluating numeracy skills in lower elementary grades.
- Bridges Partner — Uses the Bridges curriculum as the cornerstone of its math instruction.
- CSAA Partner — Participates in the CSAA athletic league for junior high school boys baseball.
- Conservatory Lab Charter School Partner — Collaborates with and draws upon the data-supported curriculum of the Conservatory Lab Charter School for curriculum development.
- El Sistema Network — Aligns with El Sistema’s principles of using music as a vehicle for inclusion and social change.
- Lawrence Hall of Science Partner — Uses science curriculum developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley.
- University of Chicago Partner — Collaborates on the use of the STEP assessment, a research-based literacy evaluation tool developed by the University of Chicago.
- WHIN Music Project Partner — Predecessor and foundational program of WHIN Music Community Charter School, providing El Sistema-inspired music education since 2012.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Constructivist and Discourse-Based Mathematics Instructionmethodology: constructivist_mathematicsBy using exploration, problem-solving, and peer discussion in math instruction, we build deep conceptual understanding because students construct knowledge actively and refine thinking through verbal articulation and collaborative reasoning.
- El Sistema Model for Social and Academic Developmentmethodology: el_sistema_modelBy engaging students in intensive daily ensemble music education, we foster social inclusion, personal growth, and academic success, because collective musical practice builds belonging, discipline, and resilience—especially for students facing adversity.
- Ensemble as Model Society for Community and Character Buildingmethodology: ensemble_as_model_societyBy structuring music education around ensemble participation, we cultivate values like solidarity, mutual support, and collective purpose because the ensemble functions as a micro-society where cooperation and empathy are practiced daily.
- Integrated Curriculum for Holistic Student Developmentmethodology: integrated_curriculumBy embedding music, social-emotional learning, and real-world inquiry across academic subjects, we promote deeper understanding and character development because interdisciplinary, connected learning mirrors authentic problem-solving and fosters intrinsic motivation.
- Kinesthetic and Expressive Integration in Music Learningmethodology: kinesthetic_music_learningBy connecting music with movement, rhythm, and language through Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Orff approaches, we deepen musical and cognitive development because multisensory, embodied learning strengthens neural connections and engagement.