Education reformer and President of the Harlem Children’s Zone, Geoffrey Canada, is featured in the recent documentary Waiting for “Superman.” The Promise Academy Charter Schools, created in association with Harlem Children’s Zone, employs various education technology products and software, including eChalk, to enhance education. Their strategy intertwines technology integration with student support systems to raise student achievement.
In these schools, staff members work alongside after-school employees and parents to make sure they are meeting each child’s individual needs. The Promise Academy Schools strive to do whatever it takes to make sure students are accepted by and succeed in college. Promise Academy school days last from 8am to 4pm, with the opportunity to participate in after-school programs from 4pm to 6pm. The academic year is 210 days, including a 20-25 day mandatory summer program, exceeding the 180 day minimum required by law.
The Promise Academy strategy is proving successful. In 2008, 100 percent of third-graders at Promise Academy II tested above grade level. At Promise Academy I, 97 percent of third-graders were at or above grade level in math. HCZ Promise Academy received and “A” rating for performance from the New York City Department of Education, in its citywide progress reports.
Class of students at students at Promises Academy Charter Schools
