named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
After-School Athletics
Offers soccer, basketball, and volleyball to students in grades 5–8, emphasizing physical activity and character values; recently won 2025 CSAA and 2024 MSAL Queens Soccer Championships.
NarPods
Enrichment-based after-school program offering homework support and activities in visual arts, chess, and life skills for students in grades 5–8.
Narwhal Players
After-school drama program affiliated with NY Jr. Thespians, producing musicals and performances such as “Shrek Jr.” and “Goosebumps: The Musical” to build confidence and creativity.
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) – Valence Visionaries
Recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship, with a focus on community engagement and ethical leadership.
SNAP Community Outreach
Provides families with information and support for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enrollment, in compliance with New York State Education Law §915-a.
activities · 10 groups
What they do
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Charter School Admissions Lottery Management 1 activity
- Administers student admissions via lottery systemManages student enrollment through an annual admissions lottery held on April 1 for the following school year, using SchoolMint to issue admission and waitlist notifications. The lottery applies when demand exceeds capacity and is open to applicants across New York City.
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Charter School Operations 1 activity
- Delivers free public charter education for grades 5–8Provides tuition-free, open enrollment public charter school education to students in grades five through eight in Queens, New York, with a focus on academic skills, professional habits, and character development to prepare scholars for college graduation and leadership. The school operates from a permanent campus at 97-29 64th Rd in Rego Park.
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Student and Camp Transportation Services 1 activity
- Facilitates student transportationCoordinates with the NYC Office of Pupil Transportation to provide bus service for 5th and 6th graders and issues MetroCards to all enrolled students for use in getting to and from school.
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Student and Member Conduct Policies 1 activity
- Implements student conduct and uniform policiesEnforces a student uniform policy requiring families to purchase uniforms annually and maintains cell phone restrictions during school hours, including storage in locked cabinets, confiscation from pockets or backpacks, and automatic referrals to the Dean of Students for violations.
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Interscholastic and Inclusive School Sports Programs 1 activity
- Offers after-school athletic programsProvides seasonal after-school sports programs in soccer, basketball, and volleyball across fall, winter, and spring seasons. The school has won the 2025 CSAA Soccer Championship and the 2024 MSAL Queens Soccer Championship.
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After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Operates after-school enrichment programsRuns NarPods, a daily after-school program for grades 5–8 held Monday through Thursday until 5:15 PM, which includes homework support followed by enrichment activities such as visual arts, chess, and life skills.
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Youth Musical Theater Productions 1 activity
- Produces performing arts programs and eventsOperates Narwhal Players, an after-school drama program affiliated with The NY Jr. Thespians as Troupe #10145, and produces multiple annual performing arts events including a Fall Showcase, One-Act Festival entry, school-wide talent show, and full-scale musical productions such as “Shrek Jr.” and “Disney’s Descendants”.
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Special Education Support Services 1 activity
- Provides special education and English language learner supportOffers targeted academic support services for students with disabilities and English language learners, ensuring access to grade-level content and promoting development of English proficiency.
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Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
- Recognizes student achievement through National Junior Honor SocietyOperates a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society for middle school students that recognizes excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
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Public Benefits Navigation and Enrollment 1 activity
- Supports families with SNAP enrollment assistanceProvides direct support to families seeking information about SNAP eligibility and enrollment, including assistance for individuals with Limited English Proficiency.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$12.88M
Contributions & grants$12.78M99%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$101K1%
Other revenue$750
expenses
Total expenses$12.79M
Program expenses82%
Admin / overhead18%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$7.10M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$54.34M
Cash$5.13M
Investments$0
Liabilities$54.27M
Net assets$65K
Liquid reserves4.8 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +4.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 7
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NICOLE KONE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $180K |
| CELINES LEONARDO | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | 40 | $163K |
| YADIRA KIM | 7TH GRADE LEVEL DEAN | 40 | $159K |
| LAURA QUEZADA | 6TH GRADE LEVEL DEAN | 40 | $154K |
| MITCH FLAX | EXECUTIVE COACH | 40 | $152K |
| CINDY GONZALES | 8TH GRADE LEVEL DEAN | 40 | $131K |
| JESSICA GORDON | DEAN OF ACADEMIC INTERVENTION | 40 | $126K |
board members · 9
- AHMED KHAN — TRUSTEE
- ANGIE GUERRERO — TRUSTEE
- ARJUN KAPOOR — TREASURER
- CHRISTOPHER MUY — TRUSTEE
- DANTE MANGIARACINA — SECRETARY
- LYDIA ORR — VICE-CHAIR
- MARY SPOONER — TRUSTEE
- SANDRA MATTHEWS — TRUSTEE
- TONY SHAN — CHAIR
relationships · 12
Who they work with
- Building Excellent Schools Network — Founded through the Building Excellent Schools Fellowship, a program supporting the development of high-performing urban charter schools.
- Flynn O’Hara Partner — Official uniform vendor for Valence College Prep, providing uniforms through an online portal and a physical storefront.
- Hunger Solutions NY Partner — Developed the SNAP Toolkit for Schools and Community Partners used by the school for outreach efforts.
- National Junior Honor Society Network — Hosts a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, aligning with its national standards for student recognition.
- New York City Human Resources Administration Government — Operates ACCESS HRA, the online system through which NYC residents apply for and manage public benefits.
- New York City Office of Pupil Transportation Partner — Collaborates to provide transportation services for students living beyond walking distance.
- No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices Partner — Developed the SNAP Outreach in Schools Toolkit used by the school for outreach efforts.
- Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Government — Designates SNAP Outreach Providers and supports myBenefits portal for benefit application and management.
- SUNY Charter Schools Institute Government — State authorizer overseeing the school's operations and compliance.
- SchoolMint Partner — Uses SchoolMint as the platform for managing student registration, admissions notifications, and waitlist tracking.
- The NY Jr. Thespians Partner — Collaborates with Valence College Prep's Narwhal Players drama program as Troupe #10145.
- U.S News & World Report Network — Recognized as one of the Best Public Schools by U.S News & World Report in 2025
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.
- College-Preparatory Model with Character and Habit Integrationmethodology: college-preparatory_education_modelBy integrating academic instruction with professional habit development and character education, we produce long-term student success because this holistic approach builds both cognitive and non-cognitive skills essential for college readiness and life beyond school.
- Family Partnerships as Critical Support for Student Successmethodology: family_partnershipsBy collaborating closely with families, we enhance student outcomes because consistent support across school and home environments reinforces academic and behavioral expectations.
- Growth Mindset as Foundation for Academic Persistencemethodology: growth_mindsetBy cultivating a growth mindset, we produce increased student persistence and mastery in learning because students view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles.
- Literacy as Foundational Gateway to Academic Achievementmethodology: literacy_as_gatewayBy prioritizing literacy development, we enable broader academic achievement because strong reading and comprehension skills are prerequisites for success across all subject areas.
- Structured Environment to Support Academic Achievementmethodology: structured_environmentBy maintaining an intentionally structured school environment, we produce higher academic achievement because clear expectations and routines reduce distractions and foster disciplined learning habits.