Democracy Prep New York

Democracy Prep
New York

Democracy Prep New York educates responsible citizen-scholars for success in the college of their choice and a life of active citizenship. We currently operate 10 schools across Harlem and the Bronx.

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10

Schools across Harlem and the Bronx serving pre-K through grade 12

3500+

Children whose families have entrusted us with their education

90%

Democracy Prep seniors accepted to college

OUR SCHOOLS

Global Language Leadership

Democracy Prep scholars are preparing for a life of active citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world and our Korean language program is a big part of how.

This year, 52 scholars across our Harlem and Bronx campuses earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Korean, a 24% increase from 42 the year before, with ten students also receiving the prestigious Yongwoon Scholarship Award.

Democracy Prep was recognized as the network with the highest number of Korean NYSSB recipients in New York State in 2025 a testament to years of dedicated instruction and a program built to grow.

Our Leadership

Deborah Jackson

Deputy Superintendent for Grades 9–12

LinkedIn Profile

Our Board

Isaiah Walker

Drew Gannon Singh

Farida Ilboudo

Ross Frommer

Khary Barnes

Robert North

Sean Windsor

Greg Weston

Ken Weiller

Douglas Snyder

Roger Berg

Alastair Wood

BOARD MEETINGS & MATERIALS

2026-2027 Board meeting materials can be found here.

All Board Meetings for the 2026-2027 school year will be held at the following address: 1767 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035, 4th Floorunless otherwise noted.

  • 8:00 AM, Aug. 25, 2026 Public Notice
  • 1:00 PM, Sept. 30, 2026
  • 8:00 AM, Oct. 27, 2026
  • 8:00 AM, Nov. 17, 2026
  • 8:00 AM, Dec. 15, 2026
  • 8:00 AM, Jan. 26, 2027
  • 8:00 AM, Feb. 25, 2027
  • 8:00 AM, March 23, 2027
  • 1:00 PM, May 26, 2027
  • 8:00 AM, June 22, 2027

DPNY ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

Scholar & Family Handbooks

Elementary Schools: English | Español | French

Middle Schools: English | Español | French

High Schools: English | Español | French

District-Wide Safety Plan

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE BAN POLICY

In accordance with a new statewide policy, New York State now prohibits student use of personal electronic devices –including cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches — during the school day. This initiative is designed to reduce distractions, support learning, and promote a more focused academic environment. We encourage you to review the full policy and share your feedback through our brief survey.

DPNY Personal Electronic Device Ban Policy

Feedback Survey

Water Safety Information for Families

Water Safety Information for Families

At Democracy Prep, the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority.

In accordance with New York State Education Law Section 926, we are providing families with important information on:

  • Drowning prevention
  • Water safety
  • Safe and healthy swimming

The New York State Department of Health has developed guidance to help families stay safe around pools, beaches, lakes, and other bodies of water. Topics include:

  • Water safety tips for children and adults
  • Recognizing the signs of drowning
  • Safe swimming practices
  • Healthy swimming habits
  • Boating safety and life jacket recommendations

You can read the complete New York State Department of Health Water Safety Guide here: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3112.pdf

Spanish: https://es.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/swimming/index.htm

French/Creole: https://fr.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/swimming/index.htm

 

We encourage all families to review this information together before participating in water-related activities this summer and throughout the school year.

McKinney-Vento Act Information for Families Experiencing Homelessness

Are You Experiencing Homelessness?

DPNY Families, we’d like to inform you that there is a program that provides support to families facing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act allows our schools to provide educational support and other resources to families experiencing homelessness. It is important to note that homelessness encompasses several categories including families that lost their housing and are living with other families or relatives due to economic hardship. It also includes families living in a motel, car, park, emergency or transitional shelter.

If this applies to your family, please reach out to the DPNY McKinney-Vento Family Liaison so we can provide educational support and other resources for your scholar and your family.

Know Your Rights

Students who are experiencing homelessness are also granted special rights under the McKinney-Vento act. For more information please use the following links:

The DPNY McKinney-Vento Family Liaison is Mimi Ogawa-Spigland, Director of Social Work & Family Support. Please reach out to her for more information and support.

Email Address: mimi.ogawa-spigland@democracyprep.org

Foster Care Transportation Policy & Procedures

DPNY Foster Care Transportation Policy & Procedures: 
In accordance with Title I, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and New York Education Law §3244, the school will collaborate with the applicable local department of social services (LDSS) and other appropriate partners to support school stability for students in foster care. When a Best Interest Determination identifies that remaining in the school of origin is in the student’s best interest, the School Operations Team will coordinate with the LDSS and other appropriate partners to arrange and maintain transportation for the duration of the student’s time in foster care, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Transportation will be implemented as promptly as possible and may include MetroCards or other appropriate transportation arrangements based on the student’s individual circumstances. The Operations Team will serve as the school’s primary point of contact for coordinating transportation and communicating with the appropriate agencies regarding any changes affecting transportation services.

Title I Information

 

For information on NYSED ESSA complaint procedures related to DPNY’s administration of any “covered Federal program” under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), please access https://www.nysed.gov/essa/new-york-state-essa-funded-programs-complaint-procedures

Additional Resources

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

Democracy Prep is committed to maintaining a School environment free of harassment, bullying, taunting, intimidation, and discrimination.

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) seeks to provide the State’s students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function. Incidents of harassment and discrimination covered include; threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex. DASA is intended to protect all students.

If a parent has a concern about an incident of bullying involving their child, they are encouraged to contact their child’s classroom teacher and the school’s Dean of Culture/DASA coordinator.

The DPNY mandated DASA Coordinator is Brandi Robinson, Director of Scholar Support. Please reach out to her for more information and support.

Email Address: brandi.robinson@democracyprep.org

CHARTER-SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS

Be part of a community that provides a safe space for them to DREAM BIG, find their unique voice, and become fearless in sharing their authentic abilities with the world.

 

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