Curriculum
English Language Arts
- Words Their Way (Pearson), taught during an intensive daily word study block, is used to teach students phonics, vocabulary and spelling to reinforce their literacy development. Teachers will monitor students’ progress to inform instruction during the reading block.
- Guided Reading provides small groups of readers the opportunity to work intensively with their teacher to master reading strategies and consistently become better readers.
- Scott Foresman Reading Street (Pearson), used as a curricular supplement, further reinforces literacy instruction in whole and intensive small groups, emphasizing phonological and phonemic awareness, letter recognition, high frequency words, handwriting, guided daily reading lessons, reading skills and strategies, and writer’s workshop. The core emphasis is on continuous progress monitoring and the development of explicit plans for managing small student groups and supporting ELL students.
Mathematics
- Everyday Mathematics (University of Chicago Mathematics Project/McGraw-Hill), taught during the 90-minute mathematics block, utilizes a variety of whole-class, small group and self-directed instruction to meet the learning needs of students. Daily activities include direct teacher instruction enhanced by interactive, hands-on exploration and long-term projects to reinforce rich mastery of concepts. This curriculum supports literacy development and language acquisition for our ELL learners by emphasizing opportunities for students to verbalize their mathematical thinking and understanding of the strategies.
Science
- The Delta Science Modules series is uniquely designed to compliment our scholars’ natural curiosity about the world around them. The series utilizes multiple modules to teach life science, physical science and earth science concepts in a fun and engaging way. Scholars investigate these concepts using a combination of hands-on activities and exciting reading materials that bring the concepts to life. The modules support our scholars to dive into the world of scientific inquiry and discovery.
Social Studies
- East Harlem Scholars Academy teaching staff members design the dynamic social studies curriculum. Guided by the belief that our scholars’ community is at the heart of their learning experience, the social studies program provides rich exploration into the concepts of family, community, culture and global understanding. Social Studies units provide scholars with a strong foundation to develop the skills and competencies necessary for understanding and thriving in the global and interconnected world of the 21st century.
Specials
- We provide a vibrant music program to enrich the sensory experiences of our students. Additionally, all students participate in a fun and invigorating physical education program designed to ensure that students enjoy healthy bodies along with healthy minds. Students participate in a variety of team and individual sports, dance activities and games.
In addition:
- All students receive daily instruction in Spanish with the goal that they will be proficient in both English and Spanish by the 5th grade. Students will deliver an academic presentation comfortably in both languages to demonstrate their proficiency.
- Classrooms are fully equipped with computers to provide students with access to computer-based literacy and mathematics learning materials. Students will develop proficiency in Internet research, word processing and basic computer knowledge.
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.