Work hard. Be nice.
Take responsibility. Change the world.


School Vision

School Vision

I wanted Rise to be a school with impressive academic standards, where kids would be promoted with unequivocal readiness for the next grade. But I knew in doing this, we would have to commit to differentiating our lessons and work so all learners were reached every day. We teach our students to overcome obstacles and to show resiliency when met with failure. We treat each student as an individual, and we strive to help them grow into young adults filled with integrity. But the thing I love the most about our school is that we have fun every day; we laugh when something is funny and work hard when work needs to be done.

- Drew Martin, Rise Academy Founder and School Leader

About Rise Academy

Rise Academy is the second of two middle schools in the TEAM Schools network. Since opening in August 2006, the school has grown to 360 students in grades 5-8. Rise Academy teachers are truly committed to teamwork. Most of the classes at Rise are co-taught, and each grade team and department team meets each week to problem solve and share best practices. As a result of this teamwork, Rise Academy teachers have been able to lead their students to remarkable growth in Reading and Math, and they have fun doing it.


Watch the Video

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See inside the classroom,
5th grade reading.

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Student Demographics

(as of 09/2010)

  • 360 Students
  • 5-8 Grades served
  • 84%Students eligible for free/reduced meals
  • 98%91% African-American
    9% Latino
  • 13% Receive special
    education services
  • 50% 49% male
    51% female

Sample Class Schedule

  • 8:00am 7:50

    DEAR

  • 8:40am 8:20

    Science

  • 10:00am 10:00

    Liberation Arts

  • 11:00am 10:50

    Lunch

  • 12:00pm 11:35

    Math

  • 1:15pm 12:25

    Writing

  • 1:45pm 2:05

    Snack

  • 3:15pm 2:15

    Reading

  • 3:30pm 3:30

    Advisory

  • 4:15pm 4:00

    Dismissal


Not Just Academics

Rise isn't defined solely by learning that takes place inside the classroom; students also take part in after school activities like Basketball (pictured right) and the Math Club which won eight team and nine individual awards in the 2009-10 school year.

  • Athletics & Activities

    • Fun Fridays
    • Math Club
    • Co-Ed Soccer
    • Girls & Boys Basketball
    • Co-Ed Cross Country
    • Cheerleading
    • The Freedom Crew
    • Open Mic
    • Choir
    • TEAM in Africa

  • Day Trips

    • The Met
    • Liberty Science Center
    • Adventure Aquarium
    • Princeton University
    • Rutgers University
    • Seton Hall University
    • Bryant Park Ice Skating
    • Union Sports Arena Ice Skating
    • Branch Brook Park Skating
    • Wightman's Farms
    • Six Flags Great Adventure
    • Camp Vacamas
    • Bear Mountain
    • New York Hall of Science
    • Harlem Walking Tour
    • The African American Museum in Philadelphia
    • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tour
    • New Jersey Performing Arts Center
    • Sandy Hook

  • Overnight Trips

    • Princeton Blairstown
    • Colonial Williamsburg
    • The Catskills
    • School Lock-Ins

    End of Year Trips

    • Washington, DC
    • Utah
    • California
    • Costa Rica


Rise Academy, winners of the 2010 Newark Charter School Boys Basketball Championship

Rise Academy, winners of the 2010 Newark Charter School Boys Basketball Championship.