“My ultimate hope is for students to leave Ascend knowing they are capable of doing anything. They will face obstacles, but they will also have the resilience to overcome them. I want every scholar to feel loved, cared for, and confident in their intelligence, knowing they have the skills and mindset to pursue their dreams. What brings me the most joy is seeing the growth of both teachers and students socially, emotionally, and academically. At Brooklyn Ascend Lower School, we support that growth through enriching opportunities like art, dance, gym, and drama, as well as family events like Literacy Night, where we share resources to help parents support learning at home. Through our Parent Association, we also make sure families are active partners in the school community.

One of my guiding philosophies is that learning should always be fun and engaging. We strive to create lessons that spark those “aha moments” when students get excited about new concepts and develop a true love of learning. Our teachers tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students through differentiated learning informed by student data. Ascend sets itself apart by creating a welcoming, family-oriented environment where students and parents feel supported, heard, and empowered.”

- Danielle Pena