Introduction
The Harlem Charter Promise Academy Charter Schools approach the education of children in a different perspective. The system they use is not common to many learning institutions for children. One of the things that make the schools stand out from the rest is its pedagogical approach to education. The schools have longer school days and longer school academic year. This enables the children to master additional basic skills and can explore more about arts and sciences. The mission of the schools is to provide high quality education, which will shape a child’s educational life. The schools develop and create safe and enriching learning environments in which the children can be able to develop their talents and skills. The schools provide freshly made meals and make the child engage in physical activities, which is essential in promoting a healthy lifestyle (Hanson, 2013).
The schools are located in South Bronx, New York.
Population of teachers and Students
The approximate number of students is about 1000. The student teacher ratio is 13, which makes the approximate number of teachers to be about 77.
Building and Grading Span
The Harlem Children’s Zone covers a 97-block area in the Harlem neighborhood in New York. The students are served are from grades K to 12.
General School /District Information
Technology Used in Classrooms
There is increased technology use in classrooms. Teachers are involved in supervising students in developing PowerPoint presentations on computers, in classrooms. Additionally, the schools utilize several web-based technology programs for assessment and in for the intervention programs (Walcott, 2011). These technologies include Acuity, Dream Study Island, and Achieve 3000, which aid the teachers in accessing data they can utilize in the design of targeted instructions and for the preparation of online instructions for the students (Walcott, 2011).
Academic Departments/ Divisions
The HCZ has several divisions, which include the early childhood program, elementary school, middle school, and high school. The early childhood program has a baby college, which offers a nine-week parenting workshop to expectant parents and those with children less than three years of age. The main aim of the workshop is to promote and emphasize the value of reading and verbal discipline over corporal punishment. The elementary school programs are offered free to the public. These programs include the Promise Academy I and II elementary schools. Middle school programs usually have longer school days. Services offered in middle school include free dental care and medical care and healthy fresh meals. The high school program has an additional College Preparatory Program that is aimed at preparing the high school students for college.
Percentage of college bound students
The percentage of college bound students from the HCZ Promise Charter Schools is quite high. Based on the year 2011, the percentage of seniors from the HCZ after-school programs that were accepted into further education was approximately 95% of the total number of seniors (Hanson, 2013).
Budgetary Concerns
The provision of free and quality services to the students requires a substantial amount funding. Most of the budget depends on funding from foundation organizations and well-wishers.
Administrator Name and Titles
Initiatives
The schools have after-school tutoring and additional classes on Saturdays for students who require additional help in their homework and studies. Further, it has a college preparatory program that is aimed in preparing students for college.
References
Hanson, D. (2013). Assessing the Harlem Children’s Zone. Conservative Policy Research and
Analysis. Retrieved June 30, 2013, from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/03/assessing-the-harlem-childrens-zone
Walcott, D., (2011). Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy 1charter School Annual Site
Visit Report. Retrieved from http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/1792F8A8-0057-4E0D-8428-7356DBA70727/0/HCZPromiseAcademy1ASV2011FINAL.pdf
