Our Story
Seeking to provide scholars with a rigorous and joyful school environment as early as possible, Democracy Prep Harlem Elementary opened with Kindergarten in 2013 and will add a grade each year. Starting at age 5, scholars will grapple with rigorous material, civic engagement and character education through the DREAM values that will set them up to Work Hard, Go to College, and Change the World! Upon completion of 5th Grade, scholars will transition to Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School and then High School where they will continue on their path to and through college and a life of active citizenship.
PRINCIPAL
Mia Backon
GRADES SERVED
K – 5
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
398 Scholars
The DREAM Team
Mia Backon
Principal
Chelsey Palmer
Assistant Principal
Allison Roberts
Instructional Coach
Jasmine McQuay
Leader U Fellow & 5th Grade Team Leader
Christy Brown
Operations Manager
Irene Polanco
Senior Family Impact Coordinator
Cesar Lazcano
Senior Operations & Technology Associate
Claudia Carreon
Registrar
Fitzroy Saunders
DREAM Coach
Jennifer Myers
DREAM Coach
Erin Chilelli
Social Worker
Kristyn Demartinis
Social Worker
Sue Kim
ACT K-2 Specialist
Paola Peñuela
Kindergarten Teacher & K-1 Grade Team Leader
Pamela Peñuela
Kindergarten Teacher
Christine Jurado
Kindergarten Teacher
Leesa Pea
Kindergarten Teacher
Meghan Riffle
First Grade Teacher
Amy Morton
First Grade Teacher
Alyssa Harris
First Grade Teacher
Amanda Johnson
First Grade Teacher
Kristen Turpin
Second Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Ebony Lambright
Second Grade Teacher
Dimery Mowery
Second Grade Teacher
Anna Longo
Second Grade Teacher
Kara Miranda
3-5 ACT Specialist & ACT Coordinator
Sheila Sullivan
Third Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Joseph Anderson
Third Grade Teacher
Chris Melendez
Third Grade Teacher
Qi Zheng
Third Grade Teacher
Amy Tobin
Fourth Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Khadijah Lewis
Fourth Grade Teacher
Samantha Zerbe
Fourth Grade Teacher
Claire Hughes
Fourth Grade Teacher
Kamille Campbell
Fourth Grade Teacher
Edgar Dinzey
Fifth Grade Teacher & ELL Coordinator
Crystal Holmes-Smith
Fifth Grade Teacher
David Outten
Fifth Grade Teacher
Michael O'Dea
Fifth Grade Teacher
Taylor Chiola
Fifth Grade Teacher
Tyler Harl
Fifth Grade Teacher
Rachel Lee
Science & Social Studies Teacher & Co- Curricular Leader
Nicole Taylor
Science & Social Studies Teacher
Cherby Laguerre
Physical Education Teacher
Robert Subjenski
Music Teacher
Grace Lopata-Linn
Dance Teacher
Khadidja Sow
Associate Teacher
DPNY Board of Directors
Click to download DPH Board Meeting Minutes – 2016-17
Download Annual Report 16-17
To contact the DPNY Board, please email Boardoftrustees@DemocracyPrep.org
For information about the DPNY Board of Trustees, including minutes and upcoming meeting dates, click here.