Here are six schools known for providing quality education and academic success for African American students and other students of color, along with descriptions of their social and academic supports, strategies for eliminating the school-to-prison pipeline, and encouragement of post-secondary education:

  1. Success Academy Charter Schools (New York, NY)
    • Social and Academic Supports: Success Academy offers extended school days, rigorous curriculum, and personalized support for students. They emphasize strong teacher-student relationships and provide extensive professional development for teachers.
    • Pipeline to Prison Elimination: They have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and provide restorative justice practices to resolve conflicts.
    • Post-Secondary Encouragement: Success Academy has a strong college counseling program and boasts high college acceptance rates. They prepare students with college-level coursework and SAT/ACT preparation.

2 Urban Prep Academies (Chicago, IL)

  • Social and Academic Supports: Urban Prep provides mentoring, academic tutoring, and a curriculum focused on leadership and character development. They have an extended school day and year.
  • Pipeline to Prison Elimination: The school emphasizes restorative justice practices and conflict resolution skills, aiming to keep students engaged and out of trouble.
  • Post-Secondary Encouragement: Urban Prep has a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates and provides extensive college counseling and support, including financial aid assistance.

3 Ron Brown College Preparatory High School (Washington, D.C.)

  • Social and Academic Supports: Ron Brown College Prep offers a holistic approach to education with a focus on social-emotional learning. They provide mentorship programs and mental health support.
  • Pipeline to Prison Elimination: The school implements restorative justice practices and has a strong emphasis on building positive relationships between students and staff.
  • Post-Secondary Encouragement: They provide college counseling and support services, including college visits and partnerships with local universities.

4 Eagle Academy for Young Men (New York, NY)

  • Social and Academic Supports: Eagle Academy focuses on mentorship, academic tutoring, and character education. They have a comprehensive support system for students, including after-school programs and Saturday academies.
  • Pipeline to Prison Elimination: The academy uses restorative justice practices and emphasizes conflict resolution and character building to prevent disciplinary issues.
  • Post-Secondary Encouragement: Eagle Academy has a robust college preparation program, including SAT/ACT prep, college tours, and personalized college counseling.

5 KIPP Public Charter Schools (Various Locations)

  • Social and Academic Supports: KIPP schools provide a rigorous academic curriculum, extended school days, and a strong focus on character education. They offer tutoring, mentorship, and counseling services.
  • Pipeline to Prison Elimination: KIPP employs restorative practices and emphasizes social-emotional learning to address behavioral issues constructively.
  • Post-Secondary Encouragement: KIPP has a comprehensive college support program, KIPP Through College, which offers college counseling, financial aid support, and alumni networks.

6 SEED School of Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.)

  • Social and Academic Supports: SEED School is a college-preparatory, public boarding school that provides a structured and supportive environment. They offer tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services.
  • Pipeline to Prison Elimination: The school uses restorative justice practices and emphasizes community building and conflict resolution skills.
  • Post-Secondary Encouragement: SEED School has a strong college preparation program, including college counseling, test prep, and financial aid support. They have a high college matriculation rate.

These schools have successfully created supportive environments for students of color through a combination of rigorous academics, comprehensive social supports, and proactive measures to keep students engaged and on the path to higher education.

If you don’t know, now you know!

Knowledge IS Power & Power IS Knowledge!