Who We Are

IAL is a tuition-free public charter school. We began as an idea among community members who longed to see more educational choices offered to the children of Washington Heights and Inwood.

IAL currently serves 332 students in grades 5 through 7. Next year (2013-14) we will expand to 8th grade and accept an additional 110 incoming 5th grade students. Enrollment is open to all students residing in NYC, with preference given to those students who reside in Community School District 6.

Our Philosophy
We believe that college success is absolutely vital in our modern world. IAL provides an academically rigorous educational environment. We offer an engaging, caring, college preparatory learning climate.

Our team is made-up of individuals who have worked & lived in the local community for many years. We understand the unique needs of our population. IAL offers a positive "asset-building" culture that seeks to develop each student's individual knowledge base.

IAL endeavors to cultivate students who value the acquisition of knowledge, possess the ability to solve problems through a critical thinking process, and develop the characteristics to be leaders in their school, their family, their nation, and their world.

Students will become disciplined independent learners, expert readers and confident leaders. Through example, we will convey that serving others is just important as doing well in school.