Storefront Academy Harlem Charter School
Grades K-5 · 439 East 115 Street · Manhattan
Taleema Chesney, Principal
About
Storefront Academy Harlem Charter School, a K-5 charter school in Harlem, serves a small student body with a strong focus on community and individualized support. The school's mission emphasizes preparing children academically, socially, and emotionally to become critical thinkers and well-rounded individuals within a rigorous, joyful, and intentional learning environment. Academically, the school's English Language Arts proficiency is just above the citywide 25th percentile, while its math proficiency is below the 25th percentile. The student population includes a very high proportion of students in temporary housing or receiving public assistance, and a higher percentage of students with disabilities, with a demographic makeup that is predominantly Black and Hispanic. Parents generally report high satisfaction, often praising the nurturing environment, communicative teachers, and academic progress their children experience. However, some feedback has raised concerns regarding leadership and the adequacy of support for students with special education needs. The school offers an extended day option and integrates weekly physical education, dance, and art classes, including a partnership with the Harlem School of the Arts. Storefront Academy Harlem is known for its strong family engagement, offering workshops and utilizing various communication methods to involve parents in their children's education. Admission to the school is through a lottery system.
Academics
State test proficiency rates and acceleration.
ELA proficiency
43%
Math proficiency
35%
Proficiency rates are from the Grade 3–8 NYS state test (school-level).
Attendance rate
Community & climate
Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.
Quality signals
Operational health
Attendance
90%
Chronic absenteeism
Location & commute
Where the school is and how to get there.