Read for First Day of School Reminders

Dear Maker Families,

We’re thrilled to welcome you back to school. At a time when public discourse can be caustic and dehumanizing and when civic norms seem fragile at best, Maker will make its business to be a place where every child’s dignity is non-negotiable, facts and inquiry drive learning, and students practice the habits of democracy: listening, reasoned debate, and service. You can count on us to dedicate ourselves to keeping our community safe, inclusive, and joyful.

We also have exciting academic news to share. Last year, Maker outperformed 90% of similar schools in terms of combined English and Math Regents growth scores. We will build on that foundation with expanded literacy supports and a major increase in advanced coursework:

• Advanced courses: 17 sections of AP (up from 8), including AP World History (10th grade), AP Precalculus, and AP Spanish.
• College credit pathways: UPenn Essentials of Personal Finance and a cohort in NYU Launching Leaders, where students can earn up to 22 college credits.

Beyond the school day, we heard your feedback on enrichment. We are expanding after-school offerings and pursuing nationally recognized programs such as Debate Team and additional honor societies.

This week, you will receive a text from your child’s advisor with first-day logistics, a friendly hello, and the best ways to reach them for support. Be aware that for Days 1 and 2, your child will follow an alternate schedule where they get time to build community with their peers in Advisory and meet each of their subject-area teachers.

Links to important forms, calendars, and first-week logistics appear in the sections below. We are grateful to partner with you for an excellent year.

School year 2025–26, here we come!

Best,

Amy