| To build a culture and curriculum that rivals the best schools in the country, Democracy Preparatory Charter School believes it is essential to instill rigorous academic expectations and firm behavioral standards. The school communicates its "Work Hard. Go to College. Change the World !" philosophy in four essential ways: rigorous academics with frequent evaluation; exemplary teaching; more time to learn an engaging curriculum; and a respectful school culture with a disciplined environment. The Democracy Prep curriculum is based on an accelerated introduction to the 28 New York State Learning Standards 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. The 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, and an hour of science 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 will 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. |
