South Bronx Classical Charter School is a charter school in the Bronx borough of New York City. It was founded in September 2004 by Lester Long, a former investment banker and elementary school teacher.
Contents |
The Founder of South Bronx Classical Charter School, Lester Long, developed a Board of Directors, obtained petitions of parental and political support, and applied to both the New York City Department of Education and the New York State Board of Regents. On December 9, 2005, the Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve an application for a five-year charter for South Bronx Classical Charter School.
Lester Long is the founder of South Bronx Classical Charter School. Most recently, Mr. Long was a New York Teaching Fellow in which he taught for four years. Prior to teaching, Mr. Long worked in the finance industry, specializing in structured finance and asset-backed securities at Lehman Brothers and Société Générale. Mr. Long is also the Founder of the New York City Classical Guitar Society.
South Bronx Classical is a free, public school open to all New York City students in grades K through 4. Each grade is limited to 70 students, limiting the total capacity of the school's six grades to 420 students. As of the 2008-2009 school year, the school had 224 students. Enrollment preference goes first to siblings of current or former students, then to students in district 12 and then to all other students.
In the lottery for the 2009 - 2010 year, South Bronx Classical Charter School had 500 applicants, more than any other year.
Academically, the school offers a rigorous program with students taking reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. In addition, South Bronx Classical offers character education and community service, in the spirit of delivering a classical education to its students. Annual standardized assessments require students to articulate their understanding and mastery of each subject.
Currently, based on DIBELS and TerraNova assessments, roughly 70% of students are on grade level.
South Bronx Classical Charter School occupies three floors at 977 Fox Street in the Bronx. However, within the next two years, the school will move to its permanent facility.
South Bronx Classical offers an extended school day and extended school year. Classes are from 8am to 4:30pm, and the school year starts in mid-August.