Harlem Academy

Harlem Academy alumna Madisyn Cunningham ’19 has always been a leader who stands up for what she believes. Now, as a sophomore at Riverdale Country School, she is having an even greater impact as a co-founder of Black Students Demanding Change, an organization working to implement racially equitable reform in private schools. Read her full story: https://www.harlemacademy.org/young-change-agent-makes-her-

At last week's primary school community meeting, students listened to "A Girl Like You" and talked about ways it connects to our School Creed. Students reflected that they both show us how to be brave and confident, remind us that we can be leaders, and encourage us to be unstoppable!

Our fifth graders got creative with an at-home science experiment on hydroponic plants as part of their Living Systems unit. Using celery and scallions, they learned how to grow plants without any soil. "Students were so excited to see their plants thrive by keeping them in a sunny location and giving them plenty of water, shared fifth grade science teacher Ms. Ahmed.

Seventh grader Sofia and her mentor, HA trustee Betsy Michel, have been a pair for six years. Though the pandemic moved the mentoring program to Zoom, they've found creative ways to stay connected. Over the years, they've bonded over their shared love of reading, even starting their own book club of sorts. Their most recent pick? "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah. Read more: https://www.harlemacademy.org/mentoring-connections-are-mor

In partnership with Poetry Society of America, our sixth and eighth graders worked with poets Daniella Toosie-Watson and Jive Poetic for several weeks to craft original poems. While they couldn't step onto a physical stage this year, they were still able to step up to the mic virtually. English teacher Kia Turner shared, During such a difficult time, our students have not shied away from difficult topics. They have instead dug deep." Check out our newest blog: https://www.harlemacademy.org/during-pandemic-poetry-offers

To celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth, our third graders are having in-depth discussions about the notable women they’re studying in class, including Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and painter Frida Kahlo.