PHILADELPHIA, PA—According to a recent report in The Philadelphia Tribune, one of the best-kept secrets in the School District of Philadelphia is Alain Locke Elementary School.
PHOTO BY ABDUL R SULAYMAN / TRIBUNE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
As Tribune staff writer Chanel Hill explains, “Locke’s vision is to offer an educational program that prepares students to get into the best high schools in the city, as well as continue their education pursuits as they earn prestigious honors and degrees in college and trades around the world.”
Locke is a K-8 school driven by strong academics and dedicated teachers, coupled with community partnerships and programs. The school offers after-school programs in math and literacy, including the First in Math Online Program. According to Hill’s report, Locke also has a partnership with nearby Drexel University that allows university students to work with Locke students in math and science.
Hill characterizes Locke students as positive, and eager to talk about their learning experiences. The article quotes first-grader Ziyan Hemingway. “Everyday I’m doing something new. I’ve learned a lot so far in my classes. My favorite subject right now is math; we’re learning how to add and subtract.”
Another student, fifth-grader Gary Carson, explains that one of the things he likes about his school is the teachers, who “do a really good job of teaching us past our grade.” He goes on to explain that math is his favorite subject and is challenged by his participation in First in Math.
In Dara Messing’s first-grade class, students will learn how to read, count money and tell time. “In math, they will be learning addition and subtraction, counting coins and telling time to the half hour,” explains Messing.
“It is so exciting to read articles like these about schools who are dedicated to academic excellence and creating a culture of success,” says First In Math creator Robert Sun. “I’m delighted that the First In Math program is an integral part of the culture at Locke Elementary.”