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Parent Profile: A Mother's Story

"Before Harlem Village Academy, my son Dominic went to another school. Back then, he was struggling a lot with math and basic writing skills. He had problems with behavior, as well. I could see it at home.

He wasn't able to concentrate on lessons. Overall, I think there was a problem with communication and I couldn't understand why the feedback was always negative. It was never, ‘Dominic did really well on his test today.' They only talked to me when there was a problem.

At Harlem Village Academy, his teachers give feedback when things are going well and when there are problems - but before they become big problems. They communicate with me as far as what options we have for how to correct things. I like that. We make a plan to work together. I never feel like it's the teachers against my son; it's not one-sided.

This year, things just clicked for my son. His behavior has improved tremendously. His grades are really good now! I see a vast improvement. At first, like a lot of other parents, I didn't understand the demerit system. Why did he get a demerit for this? And why for that? But as we went along, I could see the reasoning. It prepares him for the unwritten rules in life. It has only made him a better student.

Once things fall into place and you see the big picture, that's when you see the pay off. The state test scores, the good grades, his improved behavior-Harlem Village Academy really does work."

Name changed to protect student privacy