ASCEND PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS:
Ascend is the largest Brooklyn-based charter school. We are now accepting applications for coveted K-12 spots at ascendlearning.org/enroll!
Our Mission
Ascend Public Charter Schools is a network of K-12 schools in Brooklyn that exists to serve every student - to help them embody their inherent excellence by providing rich, joyful learning experiences that unlock a life of boundless choice. At Ascend, we honor, nurture and challenge the whole child. We foster critical thinking skills and a love of learning through our inquiry-based learning approach, Responsive Classroom model, and anti-racist education. We are deeply committed to advancing educational equity for all of our students.
Our Parents Love Ascend
Parents often rave about their Ascend experience. An East Flatbush Ascend parent shared, “I chose Ascend over other public schools because of the excellent curriculum. My daughter is naturally shy, but the education she receives from Ascend empowers her to speak up. She has excelled academically, and I see a major difference in the way she carries herself.” Another parent from Central Brooklyn Ascend shared, “Ascend brings out the best in my kids. As a parent, I can always talk to the teachers at Ascend. My kids and I are very happy at Ascend.”
Our Commitment to DEIA
Ascend was recently recognized for our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism (DEIA) and our passion for advancing academic excellence in Brooklyn. As seen on PIX11 News, News12 Brooklyn, NY Daily News and Brooklyn Magazine, Ascend received an unsolicited $11M gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Chief Executive Officer Recy Benjamin Dunn said, “Scott is recognizing what I saw the very first day I walked into Ascend. We believe having joyful classrooms, setting a high bar and embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism values are not mutually exclusive tenets. They are hard to do together, but it’s what sets us apart.” We are deeply committed to advancing educational equity for all students and prioritizing diversity by honoring the culture of our students, and promoting empathy by adopting a curriculum that reflects the backgrounds and cultures of our students.
Our Curriculum
From lower school through high school, we take a whole-child learning approach designed to foster a love of learning and social-emotional development. Our schools are set apart by our use of inquiry-based learning, the Responsive Classroom model, and our deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Our ambitious programming inspires intellectual curiosity, confidence, self-expression, and academic drive in full alignment with Common Core and Next Generation standards. Students receive a well-rounded education through elective classes in art, dance, music, and computer science. Beginning in Kindergarten, our lower schools establish a strong foundation by focusing on fundamental literacy and math skills. Our middle school students develop a conceptual understanding of math and science, analyze and evaluate ideas in English language arts, and cultivate critical thinking in social studies. From there, our high school curriculum exposes students to Regents and Advanced Placement courses that foster independence and prepare them to live a life of boundless choice.
Our Results
Ascend consistently outperforms other schools in testing results. Students beat the NY State results by 10% in Math and 8.1% in ELA, NYC Department of Education results by 10.7% in Math and 5.7% in ELA, and NYC Charters by 2.3% in Math during the 21-22 school year. In our graduating class of 2022, 100% of our seniors selected a post-graduation path. 85% are going to a 4-year university, 10% will join a specified trade or workforce program, 3% have committed to the military, and 2% are participating in a gap year program.
Our Staff
To prepare our students for college and beyond, our staff consists of extraordinary educators fiercely committed to developing their practice and ensuring our students achieve exceptional outcomes. Similar to our curriculum, our staff members must be windows and mirrors for our students, reflecting both those who share our students’ backgrounds and individuals with different life experiences. As a black-led organization, we take pride in the fact that 78% of our school-based staff and 83% of our executive team identify as people of color.
At Ascend, teachers grow as leaders and community advocates. Educators have access to innovative professional development opportunities, including individualized coaching, weekly planning sessions, school-based workshops, and network-wide resources. We value each member of our community and are committed to fostering a vibrant, diverse, inclusive community where all people can thrive as their authentic selves.
A Brooklyn Ascend Middle school parent shared, “the teachers at Ascend make everybody feel comfortable and welcome…teachers are helping her [daughter] explore new interests”. Our distinctive culture is built on love. We seek to provide a rich, supportive, and joyful work and school environment.
Join Ascend
Ascend is excited about its future and transforming the lives of its students and Brooklyn communities. To enroll your child or to teach at Ascend, visit our website at ascendlearning.org to join a warm and inviting school community where students and staff feel safe and supported.