The mission of Democracy Prep Public Schools is to educate responsible citizen-scholars for success in the college of their choice and a life of active citizenship.

Seth Andrew, a K-12 product of the New York City public schools, began thinking of his ideal school, a place where all children including those with special needs, were on a college prep track within a safe, structured, and supportive environment. He wanted to work in and build a school where teachers were treated as professionals, with both autonomy and accountability and where everyone was driven by data and results.   

Democracy Prep Charter School first opened its doors in August 2006, and by 2009, it was the highest performing school in Central Harlem. The incredible success of the scholars is possible through tireless and dedicated educators who compose the DREAM Team. The power of great teaching is evident in every Democracy Prep classroom.  

In 2009, Democracy Prep opened its first school In Rhode Island, serving 76 hard working scholars on the path to being the College Class of 2026. Mr. Andrew recognized that the students of Rhode Island were not being served well by the schools; simultaneously, a group of forward-thinking mayors were contemplating education reform through mayoral control. In a perfect storm of the dedication of elected officials, demand from parents and families, courage from a new Commissioner and proven success in New York, Democracy Prep Blackstone Valley was founded.

By showing that all students can perform at high academic levels, Democracy Prep helps to transform not only the lives of the students we serve, but also the expectations of the entire system of schools around us.