A Life of Boundless Choice

Ascend is a network of K-12 public charter schools serving nearly 6,000 students in 17 schools across Brooklyn — New York’s most populous borough. Ascend exists to serve every student — helping them embody their inherent excellence by providing rich, joyful learning experiences that unlock a life of boundless choice.

Our Mission

Ascend is a network of K-12 schools that honor, nurture and challenge the whole child. We foster critical thinking skills and a love of learning through the Science of Reading, an inquiry-based learning approach, our Responsive Classroom model and anti-racist education. We are deeply committed to advancing educational equity for all of our students.

Teach with Us

Enroll your Child

Our School Community

Ascend is dedicated to putting our students, their possibility and their dignity at the center of everything we do. Ascend opened its first school — Brooklyn Ascend Lower School in Brownsville — in 2008 to 210 students in grades K-2. Since that school year, Ascend has grown to a network of 17 public charter schools, educating over 5,000 students in grades K-12. Ascend schools are located in the Central Brooklyn neighborhoods of Brownsville, Bushwick, Canarsie, Cypress Hills, East New York, East Flatbush and Flatbush.

Our Values

Dreaming Audaciously

We are relentlessly bold.

We dream wild futures inspired by our students’ power and confidently act on our unwavering belief that together, we can bring these dreams to life.

Striving Joyfully

We are in love with learning.

We embody the hard work, dedication and tenacity that power our learning journey and believe that laughter, community, creativity and curiosity strengthen us along the way.

Partnering Collaboratively

We are in this together.

We thrive through strong relationships amongst our schools, our families and our communities, becoming stronger by learning from and with each other.

Centering Justice

We are committed to shaping a more equitable future.

We work endlessly to ensure an equitable and just education for our students that is rooted in anti-racism and advances equity in our schools and in our world.

Championing Belonging

We are a place for all people.

We treat every person with dignity and respect, celebrating the many unique identities that add beauty, authenticity, knowledge and depth to our community.

“I’ve been a part of the Ascend community for a lot of years now, and I align with the vision and the values of Ascend. When it came time for me to become a parent and enroll my scholar, this was the only choice for me.” - Suewayne, Ascend Parent and Leader

Our Programs

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

We've built a strong foundation in DEIA principles across our network through consultations and workshops. Our efforts have included 'Leading with Equity' training for leaders, a comprehensive DEIA Resource Library and curriculum enhancements reflecting diverse perspectives. We've also integrated DEIA into literacy, aligning our reading programs with scientifically proven methods to address educational disparities and committing to our mission to provide diverse and inclusive educational experiences. We recognize literacy as a critical element in fostering an anti-racist and equitable learning environment.

Learn more

Notes of Appreciation

"I have grown tremendously as an Ascend teacher in the past five years. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in workshops, coaching meetings, and professional development sessions to hone my teaching practices. This has enabled me to create a joyous classroom environment."

Sara Tageldein

Lower school teacher

“My favorite class is math. I like to solve problems, and even though it’s challenging sometimes, math brings me the most happiness. I’m really excited about college. I want to get the most education so I can know as much as I can about the world and be ready for it."

Avery

Middle school student

"Being at Ascend has made me a teacher who is willing to accept feedback and grow everyday. My mentor was instrumental in my growth. She provided me with feedback and always encouraged me to be better. I am forever grateful to be a part of the Ascend family."

Jeanna Buchanan

Middle school teacher

“I am fortunate to have found a school where my child is welcomed and challenged. At Ascend, students are not just taught to memorize multiplication tables. They develop the ability to solve problems.”

Janai Jeter

Elementary school parent