The History of Harlem Link
Harlem Link Charter School is a true school community that strives to put high-quality education within reach of every child in Harlem.
Families choose Harlem Link for its nurturing environment, highly proficient and diverse teaching staff, and well-rounded curriculum. Our academic program and teaching model prioritize scholarship and civic engagement, believing that “linking” academics, values, and community are central to education.
Harlem Link’s enrollment policy centers on its home district, New York City Community School District 3, while welcoming students from across the five boroughs. As of School Year 2019-20, our greatest concentration of students reside in Upper Manhattan (69.5%) and the Bronx (26.8%). Sixty-three percent of our students are African-American and/or from West African immigrant families, 33% identify as Latine, and, within our overall school population, 20% as Multi-Language Learners. As we can, we enroll new students on a rolling basis throughout the year, ensuring Harlem Link as an option for families facing difficult circumstances, such as housing instability or a need for special education services.
Harlem Link was founded in 2005 by Steve Evangelista and Margaret Ryan, in collaboration with founding board member John Reddick. Since opening its doors, the school has grown into a vibrant learning community grounded in its mission to link strong academics, active citizenship, and meaningful community engagement.
