2016-2017 Blackboard Award Honoree: St. Ann, The Personal School

_st-ann-web — Photo by Daniel S. Burnstein

Editor’s note: To read profiles of all 2016-2017 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE! Plus: Scroll down for video from the Awards.

St. Ann, The Personal School
Principal: Hope Mueller
Pre-K-8
314 East 110th Street
Award: Outstanding School

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

We call ourselves The Personal School because we know every student individually, and we give each child the type of instruction they need to fulfill their potential both academically and spiritually. We believe that God calls each child by name regardless of their individual differences. We welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. Our Catholic identity is at the core of our mission to help each child fulfill his or her potential, because every child has a special purpose in the eyes of God.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.

We are particularly proud of the fact that we can guarantee that every child at St. Ann will receive a personalized education. Blended Learning is at the core of St. Ann’s commitment to personal education.

What’s new?

One of the most historic moments for St. Ann was when [myself] and six of our students had the momentous honor of meeting Pope Francis during his visit to NYC in September 2015. The students described Pope Francis as exuding a sense of calm and peace as he walked into the room, instantly dispelling everyone’s nerves. His love for the children was truly palpable!

What do you love about your school?

I have the privilege of serving this community and they welcome me with open arms on a daily basis—literally! I like to stand out front of the school each day to greet the children as they arrive and more often than not they forego my handshake to give me a hug! Parents and passersby too!
That is what this school has become—a joyful place where children and adults alike want to be.

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The Cathedral School is a Nursery School, Pre-K 4, and Kindergarten through 5th grade co- educational day school that offers a nurturing environment while preparing young minds for a rigorous academic education rooted in the principles of Hellenism. The curriculum integrates the most up to date educational methods while adhering to the ancient Greek tradition of paideia which views education as character formation, responsibility and the pursuit of excellence in all forms.

Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School

An academically rigorous K&ndash;5 curriculum including intensive instruction in the Hebrew language. A diverse student body develops a strong sense of social and civic responsibility across the curriculum.

Speyer School

Process over product. Empathy and analysis over memorized facts. These are what we emphasize at Speyer. Speyer was founded to provide an environment specifically designed for gifted students to foster their natural talents, to build a strong educational foundation through differentiated instruction, and to provide a limitless ceiling for growth and exploration.&nbsp; Yes, Speyer is a school for gifted learners &mdash; however the word "gifted" is not the most important part of that statement. Our focus is on the word "learners." We are passionate about challenging our students every day in their insatiable quest for learning and help them discover who they are as people.&nbsp; Speyer students cover more than geometry, chemistry, and history &mdash; they also learn how to collaborate, listen, and be a friend. Because of our intentional K-8 model, Speyer graduates attend and thrive at the top high schools in NYC and across the country and we send them there braver, kinder, and more prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.&nbsp; Unlock your child's potential at Speyer, the only independent school in NYC designed for gifted learners. Speyer&rsquo;s main Admissions entry points are Kindergarten, Fifth Grade, and Sixth Grade, though we review applications for all grades (space permitting).