First new charter school of its
kind opens in Throggs Neck
CEO of iLearn Schools Nihat Guvercin cuts the ribbons at the grand opening ceremony of the Bronx Arts and Science Charter School at 925 Hutchinson Parkway on December 12. The new
charter school is the fi rst of the iLearn’s satelite schools in the state of New York. Photo courtesy of Bronx ASCS
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BRONX TIMES REPORTER,4 DECEMBER 27-JANUARY 2, 2020 BTR
BY KYLE VUILLE
The Bronx Arts and Science Charter
School held a ribbon cutting event
in celebration of their fi rst charter in
the state of New York on Thursday, December
12.
The new charter school is a part of
a satellite network of iLearn Schools,
with the Throggs Neck location at 925
Hutchinson Parkway, being the fi rst
in New York.
The iLearn schools have 14 other
charter schools in North Jersey, but
expanded to New York this year, according
to the school’s director Turan
Balik.
Balik also mentioned the school
makes a strong effort to compile their
board of trustees from the community
to better understand the students and
their needs. Currently, three of the
fi ve members are from the Bronx.
The approximately 42,000 square
foot building features a full sized gym,
two cafeterias, sports fi elds, an art
room, computer room and 25 teacher
designated parking spots.
In total, 148 children attend the kindergarten
through second grade and
with the grades expanding with each
corresponding year until the current
second graders hit the fi fth grade.
The STEAM-based (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, Math)
school is a tuition free charter school
taught in a digital learning based environment.
“We believe excellent teaching
combined with proper technology integration
empowers all our scholars to
learn and achieve at their highest potential,”
Balik said.
Balik explained the iLearn schools
stand on fi ve principles:
1. Technology integration
2. STEAM based curriculum
3. Data driven
4. Coaching model and professional
development
5. Positive school culture and
providing opportunities for student
enrichment
Veronica Ramos is a fi rst grade
teacher at the school with 16 students
in her class.
Ramos has been a teaching assitant
for the past fi ve years at a charter
school in Queens, but now is a lead
teacher for the fi rst time.
Ramos herself has roots in the
Bronx. She attended school in Co-op
City.
She sees the advantage of going to
charter schools because the classes
are smaller and teachers can pay better
attention to each student’s individual
needs.
“Its really rewarding working
here,” Ramos said, “The administration
is great and encouraging.”
She spoke of the variety of after
school clubs, including STEM, art and
cooking and tutoring is available as
well.
Ramos said she takes delight in the
way the school incorporates the community
and has parents involved.
The school consistently holds
events involving parents, such as dinners
and fundraisers.