introduction
Founded in 2008, Prospect Schools is a network of seven K-12 public charter schools serving more than 2,800 students across Brooklyn. We are united by a shared mission where excellent teachers prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and passion for learning.
Prospect Schools was the first intentionally diverse charter school in New York City. For seventeen years we have cultivated a diverse, rigorous, and supportive learning environment for students from all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. We aim to provide all kids with the skills to build lives of choice and opportunity.
Our Shared Vision
During the 2024-2025 school year, our entire community — staff, students, alumni, and families — came together to define what we want to be true in 5 years.
We aligned on what needs to happen in order to advance our impact and vision of equity. The Prospect 2030 strategic plan — and the three strategic priorities within it — was built from the great ideas that surfaced during these conversations.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Strengthen Student Experience
-
Ensure excellence in every lesson and success for every student
-
Robustly support students so none fall through the cracks
-
Expand access to enriching experiences during and after school
Invest in our team
-
Build a culture of "better today than yesterday"
-
Ensure transformational leadership across our schools
-
Recognize, reward, and retain excellent teachers
-
Cultivate cultural proficiency in all members of our team
enhance and expand our schools
-
Move Brooklyn Prospect High School to a new location to accommodate a growing student population
-
Open K-8 campus at Windsor Terrace and ensure its success
-
Invest in capital improvements to the Downtown and Windsor Terrace campuses
We’ve established our north star Portrait of a Prospect Graduate to anchor our program decisions.
In order to weave all our priorities into the daily lives of students and educators, we've created our first-ever Portrait of a Graduate. This is a shared vision of the skills, knowledge, and mindsets we want every Prospect student to develop by graduation.
Prospect Graduates will foster a spirit of inquiry to grow into well-rounded, multifaceted individuals.
Prospect Graduates will recognize and use their strengths and feel empowered to persist through life’s challenges.
Prospect Graduates will think critically, build a strong foundation for college-level work, and navigate academic systems with confidence to reach their goals.
Prospect Graduates will show empathy and respect for diverse perspectives and develop the fluency to engage thoughtfully as globally minded citizens.
Prospect Graduates will stay informed on key issues, engage in civic life, and act with an awareness of how their actions impact both local and global communities.
Prospect Graduates will develop versatile, life-ready skills across financial, digital, and career domains.
the future we're building
As we pursue our three strategic priorities, Prospect Schools will be stronger in every dimension — academically, operationally, and organizationally. Our network will serve more students in thoughtfully designed spaces, with measurable gains in achievement and equity.
The Portrait of a Graduate will continue to guide every major decision in this plan, ensuring that growth and improvement remain anchored in the skills and mindsets we want every student to develop.
by 2030, When our Strategic plan is complete, this is what will be true across our network:
When we strengthen student experience:
- 90% of students will be proficient in ELA and Math, with an additional 140 Black and Latinx students reaching proficiency each year.
- Our high school will graduate more than 100 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students annually and increase placements at highly selective universities.
- Student and sibling retention will continue to rise, reflecting families’ confidence in Prospect’s K–12 experience.
- After-school programming will expand and diversify, ensuring enrichment opportunities meet the needs of all learners — including students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
When we invest in our team:
- We will maintain 80%+ annual staff retention, strengthening stability across classrooms and campuses.
- Leadership pipelines will continue to grow, and high-performing educators will be recognized, supported, and retained.
When we enhance and expand our schools:
- More than 4,440 Prospect students will learn in modern, thoughtfully designed campuses.
- The Windsor Terrace K–8 campus will be fully operational, and the new high school facility will include dedicated science labs, arts spaces, rooftop terraces, and a regulation-size gym.
- With the opening of the new high school building, Brooklyn Prospect High School will expand from 800 to 1,200 students.
our network today: by the numbers
As a network of seven schools, we aim to serve a student population that represents the diversity of Brooklyn. Our three elementary schools, three middle schools, and Brooklyn Prospect High School are all built on the belief that academic excellence, inclusive environments, and outstanding teaching together prepare students to thrive in college, careers, and beyond.
In 2016, the first senior class graduated from Brooklyn Prospect High School. In 2026, we will celebrate another defining moment: The Class of 2026 will be the first graduating class with students who started at Downtown Elementary, completing their full K-12 education at Prospect Schools.
HOW OUR GRADUATES COMPARE
Staff Retention by Race/Ethnicity and Function
Prospect Schools shows steady faculty & staff retention increases alongside narrowing race/ethnicity and role gaps.
OUR NETWORK
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
At Prospect Schools, we celebrate our academic growth and achievements.
In grades 3-8, Prospect Schools students outperformed their peers in New York City public schools, performing 23 percentage points higher in English Language Arts (56%->79%) and 18 percentage points higher in Math (59%->77%). Over the past three years, results have remained remarkably consistent showcasing Prospect Schools' steady excellence year after year.
2024-2025 English Language Arts Comparative Proficiency
2024-2025 Math
Comparative Proficiency
OUR CORE PILLARS
Our curriculum, rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) World Program, challenges students to think critically, engage deeply, and act with purpose. Students develop not only academic excellence but also curiosity, empathy, and are empowered to recognize and use their strengths.
By learning alongside peers from different backgrounds and perspectives, our students gain the understanding and confidence to navigate, and shape, a complex, interconnected world. They graduate life ready to confidently navigate real-world challenges and opportunities with practical knowledge and adaptability.
Globally Minded Education
Since our founding, we have been preparing students from diverse backgrounds to become global citizens through our International Baccalaureate (IB) academic program. Using a data-informed approach to instruction, we ensure students in all grades have access to a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and an appreciation for diverse perspectives, helping them rise to challenges and embrace opportunities.
learning across every stage
We serve students from the day they enter kindergarten through to high school graduation. At every stage, we prepare students to take the next step with confidence. Being part of a broader K–12 and alumni community allows us to leverage the strengths and expertise of our diverse, talented team, helping students thrive and achieve excellence throughout their K–12 experience and beyond.
empowering every learner
Our inclusive approach means we meet students where they are in their educational journey and create personalized plans to help them thrive regardless of race, class, or ability. By focusing on each student’s needs, we provide the tools and guidance that allow every student to reach their full potential.
intentionally diverse
Because our student population is intentionally diverse, we strive to have no racial or socioeconomic majority in our student body. We care deeply about equitably meeting the needs of all learners from every background. Our diversity is a source of strength. It enables our community to excel by embracing differences and encouraging curiosity and confidence in every student.
When we build off the existing strengths of our network and pursue our 2030 Strategic Plan, Prospect Schools will become the leading network of intentionally diverse schools where ALL students and educators can learn, work, and thrive.
our leadership
Tresha Ward
Chief Executive Officer
Kecia Clark
Chief Academic & Schools Officer
Hillary Prince
Chief Financial & Growth Officer
Elise Gilbert
Chief People & Equity Officer
Dumar Paden
Incoming Chief Operating Officer
Yoni Samuel-Siegel
Outgoing Chief Operating Officer
Paul Astuto
Chief Strategy Officer
Chris deLaubenfels
General Counsel
This is just the beginning.
Support the Future at Prospect Schools
Interested in learning more about Prospect Schools and how you can help us achieve our goals?