Philosophy and School Culture

Harlem Academy’s rigorous academic program is designed to build skills, foster creativity, and instill a love of learning. 

Our teachers work closely with families and students to build positive, trusting relationships.  Life skills are taught and life issues are discussed in a manner that helps students navigate the world both within and beyond the walls of their school. 

Three extended, challenging academic blocks are the foundation of the daily schedule.  We believe that a structured classroom environment encourages both academic success and personal growth.  In addition, students have dedicated time for community meetings, arts, athletics, games, free play, and park visits. 

Building character is central to all that we do at Harlem Academy.  Our teachers work to develop positive, trusting relationships with their students.  We believe that an organized and structured classroom best positions students for academic success and personal growth.  Students and teachers share a variety of settings: classroom, playground, stage, city, and country where their capacity to direct and model appropriate behavior fosters growth in mind, body, spirit, and character.

Our community meeting offers teachers, parents, students, and guests the opportunity to address character building topics from within our school or the greater community.  Each teacher has an opportunity to formally commend the positive contribution of a student.  Silent time is shared during these meetings and throughout the school week for personal reflection.  Our School Creed states-

This day has been given to me fresh and clear;
I can either use it or throw it away.
I promise to use this day to the fullest,
Realizing it can never come back again.
I realize this is my life,
To use or to throw away.

(Written by educational leader, Marva Collins)

This Creed provides regular reinforcement of the school’s positive, empowering approach to learning and character development.  Another element of our meeting that reflects this approach is the School Thanksgiving -

We are thankful for the joys of friendship and good health,
For our school and our teachers,
And the families who have given us our homes.
We are thankful for the differences that help us learn,
And the common purposes that bring us together.
We are thankful for our city, our country, and the world around us,
For a hope to be shared with all people,
And the trials which help us to know ourselves.

(Adapted from Camp Timanous, Raymond, ME)

We ask for “a hope to be shared with all people” and work to instill this sense of hope in each of the students who attend our school.