Core Values
Our programs, systems and procedures reflect these core values:

Work hard. Get smart. Graduate from college.
What does this mean?  We put in whatever time it takes to get the job done right.  We ask questions to “get smart” about what we don’t know.  We aim our efforts at college, not just getting there but graduating and the new opportunities that will be available beyond.

 

High expectations equal results.
What does this mean?  If we expect great things from our students, staff, and community, great things will be achieved.  When we make excuses for people’s actions, we lower the bar for everyone.

 

Nothing less than excellence.
What does this mean?  This means we relentlessly pursue excellence.  Not Okay.  Not Good Enough.  Not Alright. EXCELLENT!

 

Today is the day we make it happen.
What does this mean?  This means we don’t wait for change.  We make change happen each day with all that we do.

Core Beliefs
We share the following fundamental beliefs about our work:

• All children deserve access to excellent public schools.
• All children can achieve at high levels.
• The infusion of the arts into the core curriculum increases student engagement and helps develop a deeper understanding of core concepts, ultimately leading to increased student achievement.
• More family participation is better.  Families have a lot to offer us.
• Every dollar we spend on overhead is a dollar unavailable to our schools.

Date Founded
November 12, 2003

First School
Bronx Lighthouse Charter School
Opened August 2004

Number of Schools
11

Network Enrollment 2009-10
4,232

Free & Reduced Lunch Percentage
88%

Number of Charters
10

Number of States Covered
5