East Harlem Scholars Elementary Academy I

East Harlem Scholars Elementary Academy I is a charter school where neighborhood families can find a public-school option rooted in community values. The campus sits at 2050 2nd Ave, anchoring the block between 106th and 107th Streets in a pocket that’s seen steady change. Inside these walls, children work through a curriculum that blends core academics with the arts and civic lessons drawn from the blocks just outside the doors. Transparency in goals and regular updates keep parents connected to their kids’ progress without extra fluff.

Academics are only part of the picture—daily schedules include physical education, music instruction, and language exploration. The school hosts family workshops several times each year, giving caregivers tools to reinforce lessons at home. Guidance counselors meet with students one-on-one to plan next steps, whether that means staying through middle grades or moving on to specialized programs across the district. Lunch and breakfast service ensures no child starts the morning hungry, a small but vital piece of attendance every day.

Start conversations by calling (212) 897-2897 during staffed hours, or swing by during open-house windows when posted. The building’s side entrance sits under an awning marked with the school’s logo, easy to spot from the sidewalk. Families who carpool can usually find a few diagonal spots along the curb before 8 a.m.—traffic thins by mid-morning, if you’re dropping after errands.

Plot your route before you go—directions are one click away. East Harlem’s sidewalks hum all year round, so familiarizing yourself with the blocks around the school helps on milder days.