idealist.org

Harlem Village Academies is widely recognized as a national leader in the education reform movement. Its growing network of public charter schools is transforming the lives of children in Harlem by providing them with an excellent education. Led by a team of passionate social entrepreneurs, Harlem Village Academies has developed and effectively executed on a clear, focused strategy: hire talented and passionate teachers, provide them with autonomy and extensive professional support, and hold them accountable for results. HVA sets high standards for students’ academic performance and personal conduct; intervenes with love and rigor when a child is off-track; and engenders in students a love of learning, a spirit of community, and dedication to academic and behavioral excellence.

The results have been extraordinary, and Harlem Village Academies has achieved national prominence as one of the highest performing urban school networks in the country. Students enter the academies several years below grade-level, many with a history of poor behavior. Yet after a few years with the school they make remarkable gains.

- On the New York City school grading system, Harlem Village Academies schools earned a grade of "A" in every category and "A" overall.
- In eighth grade math, for the third year in a row, Harlem Village Academy scored 100% proficient.
- 100% of our high school students passed the Integrated Algebra Regents exam.
- 87% of sophomores passed the Geometry Regents and the Global History Regents.
- 90% of our eighth grade students passed the New York State Social Studies exam.
- At Harlem Village Academy Leadership nearly 98% of 7th graders passed the reading test, making them the highest scoring non-selective school in all of Manhattan.

In addition to its remarkable, consistent track record of educational excellence, Harlem Village Academies has an exceptionally committed Board of Directors and an extraordinary group of supporters including some of the country’s most prominent and influential leaders in business, finance, real estate and media. Harlem Village Academies is regularly featured in New York and national media and serves as a model for schools across the United States. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg calls Harlem Village Academies "a model of excellence" and "the poster child for this country."