Mayor Bloomberg visited one of Harlem’s most successful charter schools this morning and told students they were living proof that President Obama was right to challenge states and schools districts to improve standards and promote innovation through more charter schools.
“Most of what the president said you already do,” the mayor said at the Harlem Village Academy High School on East 120th Street. “It’s really amazing. You are the poster child for this country.”
Bloomberg pointed out that many of the president’s recommendations are already in place in New York City, which will have 102 charter schools by September.
Smartly dressed in white and gray outfits, two dozen 9th and 10th grade social studies students listened intently as Bloomberg spoke, appearing to agree with his strategy.
One student said he didn’t mind going to classes from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. because he learned more and had enough time to pursue more of his own interests.
Another student offered a stark comparison between her experience at Harlem Village and her former public school.
“The teachers didn’t care (in the public school),” she said.
Asked by Schools Chancellor Joel Klein how many planned to attend college, every hand shot up.
Harlem Village achieved national prominence last year when 100 percent of its eighth-graders passed the state math exam.