A new charter school opening this fall in Mott Haven hopes to change the way schools support families by offering extended hours, weekend programming and year-round enrichment — all at no cost to parents.
Strive Charter School, located at 604 East 139th Street, will welcome students this September with a program that Executive Director Eric Grannis says was built around the realities facing working families in the Bronx.
“We’re trying to make parents’ lives easier while giving children more opportunities to learn,” Grannis said during an interview with LittleAfrica News. “Because when you make parents’ lives easier, you’re making it more likely that children will benefit from additional enriching experiences.”
The school’s required instructional day runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but families may use optional programming from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week and throughout much of the year. Parents can choose flexible drop-off and pickup times without making reservations.
Students will receive free breakfast, lunch and dinner while attending the program, and transportation will include multiple morning and evening bus schedules designed to accommodate different work shifts.
Academically, Strive combines traditional instruction with student-centered learning. Students will receive structured math and English language arts lessons while also spending significant time reading independently and exploring science through hands-on activities.
Unlike many after-school programs that rely on temporary staff, Strive plans to employ full-time teaching assistants who remain with students during the school day, after school and on weekends.
The school is also developing a smartphone app to simplify student pickup by allowing parents to notify staff when they are on their way, reducing wait times during dismissal.
Although some educators have questioned whether families might simply use the extended hours for child care, Grannis said he welcomes that possibility.
“We’re a school, but we’re also here to help parents,” he said. “If that means giving parents a chance to work, run errands or even enjoy a date night together, that’s part of supporting families.”
While the school is located in the South Bronx, Grannis said students from anywhere in New York City may apply, although Bronx families are expected to make up the majority of enrollment.
Grannis hopes Strive’s model will encourage innovation throughout public education.
“Schools should be competing to serve families better,” he said. “Parents shouldn’t have to compete just to find a great school.”
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