The Democracy Prep curriculum is based on an accelerated introduction to the 28 New York State Learning Standards. It is designed to challenge students to do their best academically regardless of their language proficiency, special education status, or the academic level at which they enter the school. Our rigorous core academic program provides dramatically more time, allowing for two hours of guided reading and writing, two hours of math, an hour of social studies/study skills, an hour of science, and an hour of art for all middle school students each day. This academic rigor requires all students to receive a full year of Regents level high school algebra and Regents level earth science in eighth grade.

Frequent evaluations ensure that teachers and families know exactly where each student stands in relation to our rigorous standards and what each student needs to do to make progress. They ensure that group instruction, lesson planning, and student support can be adjusted in direct response to their results. The Democracy Prep faculty works together for three weeks, prior to the opening of the summer Preparation Academy, to revise and practice lesson plans, modify curriculum for ELL and Special Education students, and design a fully integrated assessment system.

Standardized Tests, Comprehensive Exams, Assessments, Tests, Quizzes, and Assignments: Students take a nationally-normed tests as well as year-end comprehensive examinations (comps) in a pre- and post-test format allowing administrators to evaluate which methods, lessons, and teachers are providing the most value-added growth to cohorts of students over time. Using a backwards planning format, comps are broken down into six-week assessments that represent cumulative progress towards end-of-year goals and align with the State Learning Standards. Bi-weekly tests and frequent quizzes are given in all core subjects and daily evaluations of student performance on "Do Now" assignments, homework, and classroom activities will be evaluated and monitored closely. Families receive a weekly progress report detailing academic performance using a wide variety of more than 4,000 assignments each year. Assessments are carefully analyzed to identify individual or group academic gaps.

Promotion Requirements and Opportunity Days: At a minimum, every student at Democracy Prep must receive a final grade of 70%, pass an end-of-year comprehensive examination, and meet a specific set of behavioral and character expectations in each of their core classes in order to be promoted to the next grade. Students not on track to meet the promotion requirements have more than 35 "Opportunity Days" on Saturdays, vacations, and during the summer, to improve their content mastery. English Language Learners will have multiple supports and students with special education services will have all necessary accommodations and modifications of curriculum to ensure their ability to meet the high expectations of all students at Democracy Prep.