• » What is a charter school?
• » How are students admitted into the school?
• » Do Harlem Village Academies students take standardized tests?
• » How have Harlem Village Academies students performed on past tests?
• » Do students wear school uniforms
• » How does salary at Harlem Village Academies compare to the NYC Board of Education?
• » Is Harlem Village Academies a member of the New York State Teachers Retirement System?
• » What kind of benefits does Harlem Village Academies offer?
• » What is the calendar for the school year?
• » What is Summer Institute?
• » Is there a Saturday school program?
• » Do students switch classes?
• » Are there extra-curricular programs?

What is a charter school?

Harlem Village Academies schools are charter public schools. In brief, charter schools are public schools that are held strictly accountable for academic achievement results in exchange for autonomy from many of the rules and regulations of the traditional school system. Charter schools are held to a high standard of performance and are evaluated and inspected rigorously and frequently in order to maintain their charter. Harlem Village Academies charter schools are authorized through the Charter Schools Institute (CSI) of the State University of New York (SUNY), and approved by the State Education Department Board of Regents.

How are students admitted into the school?

In accordance with state law, students are admitted to our academies by a random, open lottery. Any student who is a New York City resident entering the 5th grade may apply. There are no admissions tests or interviews.

Do Harlem Village Academies students take standardized tests?

Yes, Harlem Village Academies students take the same state tests as all other New York State school children. In addition, students participate in nationally norm-referenced tests such as the Terra Nova.

How have Harlem Village Academies students performed on past tests?

To learn more about our track record of student achievement, read our results page.

Do students wear school uniforms?

Yes, students wear a school uniform, consisting of khaki pants, an oxford shirt, a school sweater with the Harlem Village Academies logo, a black belt and black shoes. Boys in 7th grade and higher wear a necktie. Detailed dress code rules are included in the Student & Family Handbook.

How does salary at Harlem Village Academies compare to the NYC Board of Education?

Because the school day is longer, Harlem Village Academies teachers are paid an annual salary that is slightly more than the New York City Board of Education.

Is Harlem Village Academies a member of the New York State Teachers Retirement System?

Harlem Village Academies is not a member of the New York State Teachers Retirement System. However, we provide a 403(b) retirement savings plan as part of our benefits package.

What kind of benefits does Harlem Village Academies offer?

We offer full medical insurance for employees and a portion of the cost of dependents, employer funded Flexible Spending Accounts for qualified medical and dental expenses, paid life and disability insurance, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, and various professional development opportunities. Additionally, we provide teachers with a professional working environment including office space, computers, photocopiers, a telephone extension with voicemail, and a faculty library.

What is the calendar for the school year?

Harlem Village Academies follows a September through June calendar that is similar but not identical to the New York City Board of Education calendar. In the second half of the summer, all faculty and staff participate in the five-week Summer Institute.

What is Summer Institute?

Each year, the faculty and staff gather together for our five-week Summer Institute. The program includes teacher training seminars and extensive collaboration and planning, both individually and in teams. Grade-level teams plan school culture programs, while department teams plan lessons, create assessments and share instructional best practices. The faculty and staff work together to continually refine school-wide routines and programs. In addition, we take time to set up classrooms, write letters to incoming students, and organize ourselves so that we are fully prepared for students on the first day of school.

Is there a Saturday school program?

There is a Saturday school remedial program which is mandatory for students requiring extra academic help. Students are assigned based on monthly diagnostic, internal assessment scores. Harlem Village Academies teachers are not required to teach Saturday school, but may elect to participate for additional compensation. However, all Harlem Village Academies teachers are responsible for six special Saturday half-day test-preparation sessions held throughout the year.

Do students switch classes?

Yes, students switch classes throughout the day.

Are there extra-curricular programs?

Yes, the schools run a wonderful after-school and Saturday school enrichment program as well as after-school tutoring and homework center.

Middle School

Our “Find Your Passion” enrichment programs include yoga, karate, capoeira, art and mural classes, chess, acting, dance, and more. After-school sports include basketball and track. Saturday trips include museums and cultural events, and plans are underway to create a community gardening program and public mural. Middle schools also have girls and boys basketball teams and co-ed football teams. The after-school program runs Monday-Thursday from 4:40-5:45.

High School

All students participate in gym class each week as well as "Find Your Passion" activities: martial arts, yoga, dance, video production, or acting workshop. The majority of Find Your Passion activities take place 4:30-5:00pm. Most high school students also participate in "Explorations" where they are given an opportunity to work with business executives and professionals throughout Manhattan and travel to corporate offices to discover and explore various industries and careers.

High School clubs take place each Tuesday after school from 3:45-4:45pm. Current clubs include Chess Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Publications/Yearbook, Debate Team and Youth & Government. Additionally, students participate in community service volunteer opportunities 15 Saturdays per year.