Pharos Academy Charter School
Located in the Bronx, NY, the Pharos Academy Charter School serves 600 students in Grades K-12. Its mission is to develop scholars who communicate well, are intellectually curious, and solve problems using different approaches.
The school uses inquiry-based learning to deepen scholars’ connections to the world around them. Staff and teachers work to provide a community that helps scholars feel safe, valued, and comfortable as they grow. This deep commitment to community means unapologetically supporting the education of Bronx kids. Like all children, Pharos Academy Charter School believes that Bronx kids are unique and can achieve at high levels when challenged and loved.
In 2005, Pharos Academy Charter School opened in Community District 12 in the Bronx under the name Bronx Lighthouse Charter School. It began with the promise to its founding scholars to be a small school that casts a huge beacon of light and achievement in one of the lowest-performing school districts in New York City. For more than a decade, Pharos Academy has remained inspired and steadfast in its mission, graduating more than 300 Bronx scholars and preparing them for college, career, and life.
A diverse group of staff and teachers lead the work at Pharos Academy. They commit to closing all educational gaps that persist in urban areas, including achievement and opportunity gaps, and gaps in access to science, technology, engineering, and math. Five core values undergird this work: collaboratively curious, radical inclusivity, excellence, “wow” level service, and storytelling.
All teachers receive support throughout their career at Pharos Academy. Professional development offerings occur weekly, and teachers attend a professional development institute for two weeks before school starts each year. In addition, all teachers , no matter what level, have access to a mentor coach. When you come with a deep commitment to all Bronx students, Pharos Academy supports you every step of the way to become an excellent teacher for the community.
Student population
66% Latinx
44% Black
Charter initiatives
The Pharos Academy team is working on the following seven design elements:
- Crew culture
- Authentic work and learning experiences
- Fostering inquiry and curiosity
- Student discourse
- Deliberate development of our people (e.g. coaching, professional development)
- K-12 instructional alignment
- Industry-informed electives and STEM pathways
The details
- There is one degree option available at this location:
- 30-credit master of arts in teaching in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
- Meet online with NYU Steinhardt faculty and peers twice per week in the evening for your course work ~15 hours/week
- ~40 hours/week in classroom residency at partner location
- Tuition subsidy and stipend or wage from partner school
- Two-year commitment following residency required
- Full-day cost details
During residency year
As a resident, you will work alongside a teacher mentor for the entire school year. Your responsibilities increase as you progress in your teaching abilities. This immersive learning is designed to assist you with understanding your students and their learning process, setting you up to have a class of your own the following year.
Estimated Stipend
$35,000
Health Insurance
Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
Start Date
August 2024
After residency year
Job After Graduation
After successful completion of the program, you will be strongly considered for available teaching positions in your content area
Estimated Starting Salary with Master’s Degree
$80,000
The figures above are estimates provided by our partners for informational and planning purposes only. NYU Steinhardt does not guarantee these amounts.