A Way Out of No Way

From its founding in 1967, the Harlem Preparatory School attracted the attention of educators in New York City and elsewhere for its innovative educational philosophy and process. Harlem Prep was guided by progressive education principles that promoted individual responsibility and dignity, and community engagement. A Way Out of No Way recounts the story of Harlem Prep as an independent charter school-as told by its former assistant headmaster, Huissein Ahdieh. The National Urban League planned the school as a part of its educational mission, and the Mosler Foundation and the Ford Foundation provided much of its initial funding. Ann Carpenter, Ed Carpenter, and Hussein Ahdieh, who knew each other through their shared Bahá'í Faith, administered the new school along with Sister Ruth Dowd, who was a Catholic nun. Amidst the idealism of the late 60s and early 70s, the free-school movement (now called the 'alternative' school movement') fired the imagination of educators. Harlem Prep enrolled youths, from 17 to 21 years old and, even, some adults as old as 40, who had been failed by the public school system. With poor academic skills, a lack of direction as well as other social and personal problems, these youth had fallen outside the system with no clear future. Harlem Prep was allowed independence in its operation, curriculum, and hiring because it was a private, non-sectarian school. The curriculum was needs-based and multi-disciplinary. Classes met at flexible times. The former supermarket in Harlem in which the school was housed made an open classroom arrangement possible. The State of New York allowed cross observation. Study materials were supplemented by field trips. Tutors and mentors assisted the students with their academic needs. Personal expression was encouraged. An atmosphere of mutual respect characterized the interactions between teachers and students and allowed for them to reverse roles at times. An individual graduated only when he or she had a college acceptance in hand. Many corporations and foundations supported the school financially such as the Mosler Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Coca-Cola, Exxon (Esso) and others. With its motto "Moja Logo! Unity and Brotherhood," Harlem Prep blazed new trails in education with its unique process and structure which guided many students into 189 colleges in a time when there were no alternatives to a static, large, bureaucratic public system. Harlem Prep attracted many notable supporters in education, arts and entertainment, politics, and business, including Sammy Davis Jr., Pete Seeger, and Congressman Charles Rangel.