The Emily N. Carey Harbor School
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Recently, we tested our students using the Gates-MacGinitie reading test to assess students’ skills through a formal multiple choice assessment of vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. The results of this test, along with faculty’s classroom assessment, indicate that 21% scored high and performed better than other students, and 23% performed below average, and needed improvement.

An academic priority is to expand our learning resources to better adapt to individual student’s needs. Class work is supplemented by research-based software such as Cognitive Tutor for mathematics and WordSmart for vocabulary acquisition. Some of our older students make up required credits during school breaks and evenings through an accredited on-line high school (Advanced Academics).

Educational travel is another major component of ENCHS. Each year our students embark upon at least one trip to another country as part of a volunteer service project, thereby broadening their understanding of other cultures and global issues. Service learning brings relevance to our curricula and develops critical thinking and problem solving skills. This initiative also clarifies students’ personal and ethical values and promotes community and civic responsibility.

In 2006, students volunteered in Accra, Ghana for an environmental clean-up. Harbor students continue to raise money for a bus and a roof for a Ghanaian elementary school. In March 2007, students traveled to Tamba, Senegal to volunteer with Development In Gardening, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created by former Peace Corps volunteers. They worked with outpatients to help construct two hospital gardens which will supply a steady harvest of quality vegetables to the kitchens of local people with HIV/AIDS.

ENCHS students are also exposed to the world of work, schools such as Princeton University and West Point, Socratic seminars, NASA and the National Science Foundation, elected officials at the local and national levels, and world events through first hand involvement. They are given a balance of content and subject knowledge along with critical thinking and analytical skills. They are on the way to becoming solid citizens, successful in the workplace and in their personal lives.