One Ascend: Celebrating the Start of a New School Year at 2026 Convocation

More than 1,000 Ascend educators and staff came together for our 2026 Convocation, kicking off the new school year with tremendous energy and a shared commitment to our students.

Each year, Convocation brings our community together to celebrate the progress of Ascend students, reflect on what we have accomplished, and prepare for the year ahead. This year, our focus was clear: ensuring every Ascend student experiences an excellent education, a joyful school community, and the boundless opportunities they deserve.

Hear From Our Students

At the center of the day were the voices that matter most: our students.

Ascend students Daniel, Jaiden, Rae-Mia, and Celine shared their experiences, aspirations, and hopes for the future with more than 1,000 members of our community. Their stories were a powerful reminder of why our educators and staff do this work every day.

Ready for the Year Ahead

Convocation also celebrated the educators and staff who make our students' growth possible. Across 17 schools, our teams are entering the new year ready to create classrooms where students are known, challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their highest potential.

As our students return to classrooms across Brooklyn, we are excited about what is ahead. Our schools simply are not the same without them.

To our students, families, educators, and staff, thank you for being part of One Ascend. Together, we begin another year united by one promise: boundless choice for every child.