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Ascend Learning announced last week the hiring of Eunice Chao as director of Brooklyn Ascend Middle School, the first middle school in the Ascend network. The school will open with grade 5 in September and will expand by a grade per year through grade 8, offering a rigorous college-preparatory program with a strong emphasis on the humanities and sciences.
Ms. Chao recently completed the prestigious Aspiring Principals program at New Leaders for New Schools, where she completed a year-long residency at Bronx Expeditionary Learning High School. Previously, Chao taught chemistry and environmental science at the top-performing Williamsburg Preparatory High School; during her tenure, she served as an instructional coach and advised Teach for America corps members. She is a graduate of Columbia University.
“It seems fashionable these days for schools to describe themselves as ‘No Excuses’” said Chao, “but at Ascend I found the real deal—high expectations, discipline, and structure balanced with warmth, nurturing, and compassion. With this firm foundation and the excellent academic preparation they’ve gained through the SABIS program, our middle-school scholars are ready to soar, and I look forward to aiding their ascent.”
“I couldn’t be happier that she has chosen to join our school community,” said Brandon Sorlie, director of Brooklyn Ascend Lower School, who recently introduced Chao to the parents of Brooklyn Ascend scholars.
For the upcoming school year, Brooklyn Ascend Middle School will remain under the same roof as the lower school at 205 Rockaway Parkway. As it develops, it will move to a newly constructed facility at 123 East 98th Street, just a few blocks from the lower-school campus. At maturity, Brooklyn Ascend Charter School will offer a comprehensive K-12 college-preparatory program.
