Finding the Right Village

Para leer esta publicación en español, haga clic aquí.

• Family name: Turenne

• Student: Mason, Eighth Grade

• Years With Ascend: Nine

Sabine Turenne was searching for a community-minded, supportive educational experience for her son, Mason, as he was starting kindergarten — she found it at Ascend.

“[Ascend] is helping us to raise our children while it gives them room to grow and be themselves.”

Why Choose Canarsie Ascend Public Charter Schools?

Finding an inviting, community-focused school for her son, Mason, to attend school was a huge priority for Sabine Turenne when Mason was starting kindergarten. Sabine grew up in Haiti, in a place that embodied the mantra “it takes a village to raise a child” and was dedicated to working together and looking out for one another. She also was searching for an environment that would empower Mason to always be himself and was filled with students and teachers that came from similar backgrounds. When she visited Ascend, Sabine found a beautiful, bright building, welcoming staff, excited students and likeminded parents. In short, the perfect fit.

The Canarsie Ascend Experience: Learning and Belonging

From the first days of kindergarten to his days now as an eighth grader, Sabine has seen how every teacher and staff member has looked out for Mason. The teachers are hands on and attentive, even reaching out to see if everything is okay when he didn’t bring his usual lunch one day. Mason has been encouraged to express himself, pursue his interests, notably math in recent years. In every grade, teachers have proven their ability to balance giving kids room to be themselves and creating structure for achievement and learning.

Mason’s Growth and Transformation at Canarsie Ascend Charter Schools

There is a lot of growing and changing that happens from kindergarten through eighth grade, and Ascend has been supportive of Mason through it all. Sabine has noticed their support of how Mason expresses himself, asks questions and speaks up. His teachers value his growth as a person just as much as they do his academic progress.

Reflections from the Turenne Family

When Sabine first brought Mason to Ascend, she had hope about what the school would be. A place of encouragement, support, knowledge, community and joy. What Mason and Sabine have experienced have fulfilled all those hopes. Mason is continually supported and encouraged to be himself and find his voice, while Sabine has close-knit relationships with all the teachers at his school. Check-ins are more than grade reports — Mason’s teachers reach out with updates and to see how things are going at home, while always taking the time to learn about Mason as a person, not just a student. So, would Sabine bring Mason to Ascend again, if given the choice? “My sister has a child who is ready for kindergarten. I told her, “‘Don’t even look at another school. Just apply to Ascend.’”

Starting Your Ascend Public Charter School Journey

If you would like to experience Ascend for yourself or learn more, reach out to your local Ascend school. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you start your own Ascend journey. Want to join our community? Learn how to enroll your student.