Equitable Access Through Structured Inclusion

Authorized by the New York State Department of Education to award the Seal of Civic Readiness to qualifying high school students, recognizing civic engagement and leadership.

Hosts annual public admissions lotteries for prospective students, including hybrid and in-person events for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years, in compliance with charter school enrollment regulations.

Partners with bike advocacy and activist groups to engage students in cycling programs, including week-long trips covering up to 100 miles, as part of experiential learning and community engagement initiatives.

Offers weekly in-person school tours every Friday at the Jackson Heights campus and by appointment at the Elmhurst campus from November through May 2026, along with weekly Wednesday tours, to engage prospective families.

Operates two free public charter school campuses in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, Queens, providing continuous PK-12 education focused on academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and leadership development. The schools serve over 530 students and operate under a renewed charter through June 30, 2029.

Issues annual school calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years, available for download to support family and student planning.

Provides free daily breakfast, hot lunch, and cold dinner to take home for all enrolled students during the school year. Offers meal substitutions for students with disabilities in accordance with federal regulations.

Collaborates with professional moviemakers from the Queens Film Festival to produce student short films and supports students in writing and publishing film and food critiques online to build portfolios for future writing opportunities.

Provides a multidisciplinary support model including teachers, social workers, behavioral specialists, counselors, and an on-site pediatric nurse practitioner to promote student academic and emotional success. Implements a School Culture and Social Curriculum focused on conflict resolution, critical thinking, and logical consequences, alongside individualized academic support through small class sizes (13:1 student-teacher ratio) and differentiated instruction.

Supports families through a structured Family Support Plan that includes regular home-school communication, invitations to school events, and connections to external support services, ensuring holistic engagement with scholars and their caregivers.

Operates a tuition-free public charter school in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, serving students in grades PreK through 8, with a specific mission to support children impacted by the foster care and child welfare systems. The school uses a lottery-based admissions system without application fees and provides a rigorous, college-preparatory academic program integrated with trauma-informed instruction.

Makes school performance information accessible to the public and responds to inquiries about academic outcomes and institutional effectiveness.

Operates a special education program that delivers speech-language pathology, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, orientation and mobility services, diagnostic medical services, and counseling for students with identified needs, particularly those involved in the child welfare system.

Operates Little Haven, a full-day pre-K program that runs five days a week and emphasizes self-regulation and social-emotional development for young scholars.

Provides professional development for staff on the operations of the child welfare system, its impact on children and families, and the developmental consequences of trauma. Trains educators to interpret student behaviors through a trauma-informed lens to improve emotional and academic support.

Operates three clay tennis courts and offers tennis memberships, lessons, and clinics for children and adults through Coach Carlo Carlini. Programming is available to individuals of all skill levels and ages, with access varying by membership type.

Hosts social events and tournaments during the tennis season, including a welcome social and an end-of-season BBQ, to foster community engagement among tennis participants.

Offers reduced membership dues and operates a subsidized membership program for individuals and families enrolled in government assistance programs such as WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, or Section 8, enabling reduced-fee access to park amenities.