Cypress Hills Ascend Middle School

NYCR-CDE provided $11 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing for the construction of a new public charter middle school in the East New York section of Brooklyn.

The financing funded the construction of a 51,000 square foot public charter school in Brooklyn that is home to approximately 480 students in grades 5-8. The capital was used by Ascend Public Charter Schools, the largest Brooklyn-based public charter school network. Ascend serves nearly 6,000 K-12 students in 17 tuition-free, public schools in the borough. The non-profit exists to help every student embody their inherent excellence by providing rich, joyful learning experiences that unlock a life of boundless choice. Ascend fosters critical thinking skills and a love of learning through an inquiry-based learning approach. The charter school network is deeply committed to advancing educational equity for all its students.

“Ascend is committed to continuous elevation and innovation. Our students deserve our best to create vibrant learning environments that prepare them for a future of boundless choice."

– Maryann Li, Chief Executive Officer, Ascend Charter Schools