History

The concept of Amani began at the kitchen table.  Founders Charles and Debra Stern formed a coalition to bring a high performing charter school to Mount Vernon, NY.  The Sterns, along with other public school parents, educators and business people joined forces to develop the school’s charter application. In 2010 the New  York State Education Department authorized Amani Public Charter School. Amani is the first charter school in Mount Vernon and one of only a few in Westchester County.  Admission is open to all children, including those with special needs and English language learners.  Nearly all of our students reside in Mount Vernon. Students are admitted through a random lottery held each April.

Amani Timeline

 

2010The school’s application is approved by the New York State Education Department.
2011Doors open with 80 children in grade five, in a church basement. The school receives a generous start-up grant from Walton Family Foundation. Music and arts added to curriculum through Dancing Classrooms and Young at Arts.
2012Amani prevails in a series of lawsuits brought by Mount Vernon City School District against the State Ed Department, intended to revoke its charter. Latin classes added to curriculum plan.
2013In order to accommodate grades five, six and seven Amani operates classrooms and facilities in three separate churches in close proximity.
2014Amani reaches full enrollment, with children in grades five through eight.
2015Newly renovated facility opens at 60 South 3rd Avenue in Mount Vernon. At last, the entire school is under one roof. The first cohort of children graduate eighth grade. Amani’s girls’ basketball team wins Charter School Athletic League Championship.
2016Amani is re-authorized by New York State Education Department. 100% pass rate on Algebra Regents Exam. First theatrical play: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Amani scholar participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
2017-2018Amani partners with City of Mount Vernon and Habitat for Humanity to create the first Community Garden. First off-site theatrical play: Beauty & The Beast. Amani receives exposure with the Big Me mural located on South Second Avenue.
2019-2020Just as a new academic plan begins to unfold, the Covid-19 pandemic grips the world.  The school remains open until late March.  Amani loses a dear friend, beloved custodian Jerry “JL” Lester.  
2021-2022Learning continues remotely, and a drop-in school is established in the cafeteria, the only of its kind in Westchester County.  Food service is provided even when school is closed.  Full academic programming resumes in August 2022.
2023Exploratory work for Amani Elementary School begins.  Stay tuned.