Diamond Charter School (DCS), if authorized, will open in the Hempstead Union Free School District (Hempstead) in September 2026. In its first year, DCS will serve a total of 162 students—81 in each grade, K and 1—and will add a new grade each year, until by 2029-30 it will have 486 students in Grades K-5.

Our Mission Statement:

At Diamond Charter School, we empower students to thrive academically, personally and socially. By fostering a dynamic educational environment grounded in the principles of the 4 C's—Creativity, Citizenship, Critical Thinking, and Cultural Appreciation—we cultivate lifelong learners and prepare them to become informed, resilient, adaptable and compassionate leaders who will positively impact the diverse and ever-changing world around them.

Our Vision:

We employ student-centered teaching methods with a focus on collaboration to nurture Creativity through Classroom Collaboration, empowering our students to express themselves, think outside the box, and explore their unique talents and passions.

We instill Citizenship for College and Career Readiness, guiding our students to become active participants in their communities, empathetic global citizens, and leaders prepared to succeed in higher education and beyond.

We prioritize Critical Thinking for Cognitive Growth, encouraging students to analyze, question, and evaluate information critically, thus equipping them with the skills necessary for problem-solving and intellectual development in an increasingly complex society.

We promote Cultural Appreciation, embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where students learn to appreciate and respect different cultures, perspectives, and experiences.

DCS pedagogy will be researched-based, data-informed and student-centered. Gradual release of responsibility will be the overarching instructional model and the incorporation of inquiry, student choice, real world applications and transdisciplinary learning experiences will promote students’ intellectual curiosity and agency ensuring the highest levels of student engagement in and ownership of their learning.

The DCS inclusive community welcomes all children and provides them opportunities and supports needed to achieve their full potential. DCS’s co-teaching model and comprehensive intervention staffing and support for English language learners and students with disabilities allows the needs of all children to be met within inclusive classrooms so that everyone can succeed.

I am signing this petition to affirm that I have read Diamond Charter School's (DCS) mission, I believe in this mission, and I would like to see DCS open as a free, public charter school in the fall of 2025.