The Democracy Prep model is built on the best practices of high-performing, “no excuses” charter networks nationwide. These networks have proven—for more than 20 years—that demographics do not determine destiny and that low-income students can be successful in the college of their choice.
Democracy Prep enhances this “no excuses” model by adding three additional unique program elements.
The “No Excuses” Model
More time to learn
All Democracy Prep scholars attend academic classes for at least eight hours each day for at least 190 days each year and are offered additional summer and Saturday academies for extra support. Should a scholar attend Democracy Prep from kindergarten through graduation, he or she would receive over a decade more educational time than do students in the average traditional public school.
Rigorous, college-preparatory academics
All scholars study two hours of math, three hours of literacy, one hour of science, and one hour of social studies every day as well as required art, theater, music, health, and fitness courses. In our high schools, college preparatory programs in Korean language, debate, a cappella music, and AP courses are offered to all students.
Data driven decision-making
Democracy Prep utilizes a sophisticated feedback loop of frequent data collection and analysis including a network-wide dashboard tool, interim assessments, and comparative academic measures to drive effective instruction and decision-making.
Structured and supportive
school culture
All Democracy Prep staff and students live by the “DREAM” values of Discipline, Respect, Enthusiasm, Accountability and Maturity. DREAM values guide classroom behavior and professional culture, and are reinforced through a variety of earned enrichment opportunities and positive incentives, such as field trips, dining out, and special privileges.
Exemplary talent
We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional adults to work in and for our schools. Democracy Prep staff members undergo extensive performance review, receive weekly professional development during the school year and three weeks of intensive professional development in the summer, and are guided by explicit career ladders and opportunities for growth.
The “No Excuses” Model
In order to be a proof point for what public schooling should and can be nationwide, Democracy Prep does three things that set it apart from other high-performing charter networks.
Authentic Civic Engagement
Much has been said about the achievement gap, which Democracy Prep strives to reverse every day. Very little, however, is said about the "civic achievement gap." National testing, academic studies and political polling show that, as measured by voter registration rates, voting records, political contribution records, and civic volunteering rates, low-income, African-American and Latino students and adults are far less active participants in our democracy.
We believe that all public schools should place an explicit focus on preparing scholars to become active citizens and leaders in our democracy. Through civic initiatives, community engagement, mandatory speech and debate, as well as authentic student and family advocacy for more excellent schools, our scholars acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitude to change the world.
Each Election Day, scholars in grades six through eight run our all-day "Get Out The Vote" campaign, standing on busy street corners wearing t-shirts and handing out flyers that read: I Can't Vote, but You Can! Over the past five years, they have encouraged over 50,000 Harlem voters to get out the vote. Our scholars are the youngest in history to testify in front of the New York State Senate and Assembly, and the New York City Council.
Educating All Students, in All Subjects, in All Grades
We actively recruit students who are least well-served by traditional public schools as well as other high-performing charter operators, including English Language Learners and special education students. Our Special education students and English Language Learners are provided the same transformational education and support that all our students are provided with, including all elective offerings. Seth Andrew attended NYC public schools with a learning disability and taught special education prior to founding Democracy Prep and is now a nationally recognized advocate for inclusive special-education.
In addition, just like a traditional public school and unlike many charters, we welcome new scholars at all grade-levels at the beginning of each year. This ensures a constant stream of students previously left behind by low expectations embark on the path to college and civic success whenever there is an available seat at Democracy Prep.
Running Schools on Public Funds
Democracy Prep funds all of its schools with the public funds we receive from the city, state, and federal government. Failing districts often use resources in a manner that runs counter to the evidence on the practices that most improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning in the classroom. Democracy Prep efficiently spends money as close to the student as possible; spending the most on the great teachers and much less on its comparatively lean administration.
Democracy Prep does, however, seek private philanthropy for strategic initiatives separate from the running of its schools, including for leadership-training, private facilities costs, turnaround, research, and advocacy. These initiatives are essential to the replication of our schools to serve more students, promote education reform, and capture promising practices to share with the broader education community.