Family Partnership
Harlem Academy parents and caregivers believe that full partnership between school and family is critical to educational success. At an evening workshop led by renowned educator, Dr. Lorraine Monroe, one third grade parent remarked, “It begins at Harlem Academy, but we as parents are ultimately responsible for how our children approach their education and work toward their future.”
 
For attending families, signing an enrollment contract is a commitment to tuition contributions and also a commitment to the mission and full participation in the life of the school, including:
- Making sure that the enrolled child is prepared for each day with:
- A good night’s sleep and proper breakfast
- The required school uniform
- A healthy lunch
- On-time arrival and consistent attendance
- An understanding of school expectations and goals for learning.
- Communicating with the school regarding both the student and overall school goals through:
- Two formal conferencing days
- Monthly parent workshops and discussions
- Informal meetings during daily arrival and departure
- Reading and following through on requests from school communications
- Open communication and other conferences as needed.
- Overseeing homework (and extra academic practice as needed) each night, and consistently and thoughtfully providing supplemental learning opportunities.
- Contributing four (4) hours of service per month based on the school’s goals and the interests/needs of each family. Some examples of service roles are:
- Helping the teachers with classroom preparation, activities, or field trips
- Organizing mailings for the development office
- Participating on steering committees: Admissions, Hiring, Development, Partnership
- Leading parent forums
- Speaking or hosting at fundraising events.
Though Harlem Academy launched the academic program with a grounded curriculum and clear sense of direction, the school is dedicated to listening to the needs of those who know our students best - the parents - in building a stronger, more responsive program.
Family partnership in the development and operation of Harlem Academy is organized around four steering committees.
The Admissions Committee participates in the many stages of the admissions process: evaluating admissions protocol, assisting in admissions outreach, presenting at admissions information sessions, and participating in admissions interviews.
The Development Committee plans several fundraising events and partners with other volunteers to ensure the success of the Annual Spring Benefit and Summer Climb. The committee coordinates and leads by example with a variety of volunteer
needs from hosting receptions to putting together mailings.
The Hiring Committee participates in the hiring of all teachers by: reviewing candidate resumes, interviewing potential teachers and observing their demonstration lessons, and presenting feedback to school administration for decision making. Harlem Academy is proud to say that every teacher on our outstanding staff has been vetted by teachers, school administrators, and this committee.
The Outreach Committee ensures productive partnership among attending families, the school, and our community by: organizing off-site family or adult events, assisting in planning for Harlem Academy Game Nights and workshop series, researching and sharing information about relevant community events for families, and researching and sharing information
about community service opportunities for Harlem Academy student.
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