Parent Perspective: Falecia Carter

As parents, education is one of the best gifts that we can give our children. With that in mind, I began my search for a program for my son Bryce, two years in advance. There are an overwhelming number of educational opportunities for parents in New York City. However, I found an excessive number of applicants for the available spots in my neighborhood public and charter schools. The private schools I applied to proved to be far too expensive and lacked an accommodating schedule.

Harlem Academy was recommended to me by two friends, so I attended an information session in the spring of 2005. The more I learned about the school the more I discovered it meeting each of the criteria on my list. I was fond of their innovative curriculum and rigorous academic program, which was supplemented by the small class size and fun extracurricular activities. The staff and faculty were more than willing to answer all of my questions in a friendly and welcoming manner. The affordable tuition, extended day program, and welcoming atmosphere I found at the school are all reasons why I applied and have not looked back since. Bryce is well above his first grade level and continues to get interesting and challenging assignments pushing him toward his personal best. Access to his teachers Ms. Davis and Mr. Barton and administration has been as simple as a phone call.

I recommend Harlem Academy to any family who believes education is important and who is willing to work with their school to ensure that their children receive the best. I look forward to Bryce's academic and social growth in the years to come and I am thankful for finding this rare educational environment.