About Charter Schools
A charter school is a public school approved by the State of New York and governed by an organization – in this case, East Harlem Tutorial Program. Charter schools are free to attend, and students cannot be denied admission based on language, disability, academic skills or other special needs.
Most charter schools require students to submit a short application for admission. However, if more students apply than the school can accept, by law the school must hold a lottery. The lottery is completely random, meaning that each student who submits an application has an equal chance of being admitted. However, legally, some students can receive preference. Our school gives preference to students residing in Community School District 4 (East Harlem), as well as English Language Learners.
In addition to having to meet the same standards as traditional public schools, charter schools are also accountable to the authority that granted their original charter. Increased accountability, greater flexibility, and an organizational culture of high expectations are the hallmark traits of charter schools.
For more information on charter schools in New York, visit the New York City Charter School Center online at www.nyccharterschools.org, or call 212-437-8300.
the Principal's Desk
Dear Scholars Academy Community,
It’s the Spring of 2028, and East Harlem Scholars Academy alumni sit in caps and gowns at competitive colleges all over the country, excitedly awaiting their names to be called. Their majors range from biology to psychology, computer programming and political science. Read more
Staff Perspectives
“The incredibly strong sense of community at East Harlem Tutorial Program and Harlem Scholars Academy makes this organization so special. The staff, the families, and our support network possess a sense of commitment, passion, and dedication unlike anything I've ever been a part of. I'm extremely proud to be a member of this founding team that continues to inspire me to work harder than I ever have.”
Monica Hostetler
Founding Director of Operations
"We have a partnership with families, students, and colleagues to strive for common excellence while discovering the originality of each student and fostering their growth into a scholar."
Nicole Walters
Founding ELL Teacher
"Scholars Academy is preparing students to become their best possible selves by offering a small student to teacher ratio, giving the students the opportunity to study music and Spanish everyday, as well as exercising in PE, and by guiding them to achieve our core values: service, courage, humility, originality, leadership, achievement, and reflection."
Erica Leo
Founding Spanish Teacher
"East Harlem Scholars Academy is preparing children to be their best selves by setting high expectations for each student and differentiating instruction so each child can reach these high expectations."
Leigh Kempton
Founding Kindergarten Teacher
"East Harlem Scholars Academy has the perfect balance between understanding students, their culture, and their unique abilities with having only the highest academic and social expectations for all."
Mary Hamilton
Founding First Grade Teacher
"What is special about the East Harlem Scholars Academy is the holistic approach that is taken to develop the complete child. It is a place where children can grow with their academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being in mind."
Gregg Foster
Founding Physical Education Teacher
"We are a community driven founding school. We are privileged to have such remarkable and inquisitive scholars coupled with parents who are truly invested and eager partners. "
Marlene Desai
Founding Reading Specialist
"East Harlem Scholars Academy students are learning how to become awesome citizens of society and they’re building an intrinsic love of learning."
Zoranlley Burgos-Castillo
Founding Kindergarten Teacher
"What is special about East Harlem Scholars Academy is the passion and excitement of all staff members. Everyone is so happy to be here and it is reflected in all school interactions."
Katie Bellissimo
Founding First Grade Teacher
"East Harlem Scholars Academy students will move on to great high schools and universities and be able to return to East Harlem as role models that can contribute positively to an already changing community."
Lyndsey Alvarez
Founding Social Worker
"Through modeling, compassion, and socio-emotional development embedded in all academic disciplines, teachers are developing students’ characters, as well as their coping, problem solving, and conflict resolution abilities and skills."
Ilana Adler-Bell
Founding First Grade Teacher
family council
A big thank you to our Family Council for all of their time and energy! Check out our Recent News section for more updates on their work.