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Why YDMA?

• Small, community-rooted public school in the heart of Harlem. At YDMA, relationships are the foundation of everything we do. We value strong relationships with students, families, and the Harlem community. Our small size allows us to truly know each child and family, while our strong partnerships with local community organizations and low student-teacher ratios create the environment for deep learning, responsive instruction, and meaningful connections. 
• IB Authorized Primary Years Programme that elevates teacher and learning. As the only IB PYP school in Harlem, we emphasize inquiry-based instruction and rigorous learning environments that build conceptual understanding across disciplines. As an IB PYP school, YDMA is committed to giving teachers access to high-quality professional development through IB workshops and conferences that build long-term instructional expertise and leadership capacity.
• A culture of care and high expectations. We believe that children thrive when they are challenged, supported, and truly seen. Our staff benefit from a collaborative environment where strong relationships and shared accountability make it possible to do our best work. 
• We are serious about joy in learning. We design learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and value student voice. We establish partnerships that bring both joy and learning to our school community. Our classrooms are vibrant, hands-on, and rooted in real-world inquiry. From swim lessons and ballroom dancing, to composing music and learning a new language, students are engaging in the arts and language development at YDMA daily.