OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

East Harlem Tutorial Program’s after-school programs and its charter schools, East Harlem Scholars Academies, are high-performing, student-centered learning environments that are grounded in the following guiding principles:

All children can and will succeed when provided a great education. We challenge our students with a demanding academic program and stimulating learning environment so that they develop the skills necessary to succeed in high school and graduate from competitive colleges.

The best learning occurs when children engage in higher-order, critical thinking. To thrive in the 21st century workforce and successfully pursue boundless possibilities, our students learn to question, analyze and apply their learning meaningfully. Students develop the essential critical reasoning and leadership skills to succeed in their endeavors, both inside and outside the classroom.

A nurturing and supportive environment supports students’ love of learning and of themselves. We place a premium on students’ cognitive, creative, social, and emotional growth as well as their physical health, blending rigor with joy to ensure our scholars are inspired to learn. Students explore their individual aspirations through the school experience and develop personal connections to their learning.

Self-awareness promotes dynamic leadership and global understanding. Our learning community instills in all scholars a deep sense of self-esteem, cultural pride, and global responsibility, so that they become active citizens of the 21st century and develop into their best possible selves. Diversity is an asset to our learning space, and our scholars are engaged with and aware of different backgrounds and perspectives as they develop a deep and nuanced understanding of the world in which they live.

Active community engagement richly enhances educational opportunities. Families and the wider community are mutual stakeholders in our scholars’ educational success. Having access to a comprehensive support system positions students to reach their fullest potential, and our scholars’ commitment to service promotes our vision of social justice and a desire to help those in need.