A Holiday Reflection From the Head of School
Dear Friends,
As we start the holiday break, I've been reflecting on all the people who make Harlem Academy and its mission come to life.
Every day, I see how each member of our staff – from our maintenance team to our teachers – supports the students with a wonderful mix of care, rigor, and commitment to excellence that defines our school. Last Friday, it was terrific to gather as a team for a festive celebration of how much we've accomplished this year and to set intentions for the new year. (I won’t share a photo from the games and dancing, but we had a good time!)
On Tuesday, we held our last Family Connection meeting of 2024. In what has become a monthly tradition, dozens of parents joined our counselors for a conversation about the school’s health curriculum and best practices for engaging children’s natural curiosity, a mindfulness mini-session with our wellness advisor, and a toast to our journey together.
Finally, it was an honor to welcome back 13 classes of alumni for our annual homecoming dinner Thursday evening and terrific to hear about all the wonderful things they’re doing. Our graduates are thriving at a range of secondary schools and universities around the country and in their early careers as Senate staffers, scientists, law school students, finance associates, nurses, therapists, and graphic designers – not to mention as Harlem Academy teachers and administrators.
With best wishes for the holidays and start to the new year,
Vinny DotoliHead of School
Finally, it was an honor to welcome back 13 classes of alumni for our annual homecoming dinner Thursday evening and terrific to hear about all the wonderful things they’re doing. Our graduates are thriving at a range of secondary schools and universities around the country and in their early careers as Senate staffers, scientists, law school students, finance associates, nurses, therapists, and graphic designers – not to mention as Harlem Academy teachers and administrators.
Today, I'm gearing up to have my own kids lead us in a family exploration here in NYC – a riff on a middle school trip we’ve been running at HA for years. Then, tomorrow morning, we’ll be loading the car before sunrise for our annual trek to visit family in Florida. (Yes, we'll be the black Subaru going down I-95 with a Rudolph nose on the grill, reindeer antlers, and a 16-year-old with a learner's permit behind the wheel… so, wish us well.)
To finish on a serious note, it’s been a blessing to spend time in fellowship with our families, teachers, alumni, and so many of our volunteers and supporters this fall. Working together, we are cultivating character and talent in students who I have no doubt will one day change the world. I am incredibly grateful to come to work every day and for all that you do to make Harlem Academy’s mission a reality.
With best wishes for the holidays and start to the new year,
Vinny Dotoli
Harlem Academy
655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org
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655 St. Nicholas Avenue
New York, NY, 10030
P (212) 348-2600
F (212) 348-3500
info@harlemacademy.org
Make a Tuition Payment
Financial and Privacy Information
Site Map
Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K-8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world.