Neighborhood Charter Schools: Pioneering inclusive education in NYC

The K-8 public school empowers diverse learners with co-teaching models and robust support programs.

Neighborhood Charter Schools (NCS), with campuses in Harlem and the Bronx, is redefining public education through its commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence. Under the guidance of Executive Director Daniel McCormick, NCS has established a welcoming environment where every student, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. McCormick has 21 years of educational experience and sees NCS as a model for other organizations serving children and families.

“We believe in real inclusion. Our program is designed to support students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) in every classroom, and we’re constantly shifting to ensure student needs are met,” says McCormick. “We allow them to learn from each other and grow together in a safe, healthy and happy environment. This is our hallmark.”

Welcoming children from New York City, NCS serves a diverse student body, including autistic children, those with IEPs and a growing number of multilingual learners. Its integrated co-teaching model, wherein two teachers oversee learners throughout the school day, is designed to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of each student.

Besides academic support, NCS prioritizes social and emotional development. It emphasizes social learning using the Social Thinking methodology in the classroom and social clubs run by speech-language pathologists. The program helps students communicate effectively and navigate social nuances in and out of the classroom.

NCS’s holistic approach extends to its commitment to family and community engagement. It ensures that families feel safe and trust the school, knowing their children are receiving quality education in a nurturing environment.

In two years, NCS will expand its Bronx campus from K-6 to K-8, similar to what is currently offered by its Harlem site. Eventually, NCS aspires to cover the whole K-12 curriculum to ensure a continuous, supportive education.

“We’re an organization that cares and believes deeply that all children can learn and succeed in school, academically and socially,” says McCormick. “For families overwhelmed with the challenges of raising a child with a disability or other circumstances, we provide world-class education and do so with the empathy and nurturing that many schools do not offer.”

Learn more about Neighborhood Charter Schools at ncschools.org.