School in the Square Blog

Behind the Artist: Franck de las Mercedes

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:03:11 GMT

One of our favorite things about being at School in the Square is the opportunity to showcase incredible artists from right here in the Inwood and Washington Heights community. Right now, our lobby’s art gallery features work by Franck de las Mercedes, a Nicaraguan-born visual artist and poet who has called Washington Heights home for decades. His large-scale portraits and vivid, textured paintings have become a centerpiece of the space, and if you've walked through our doors, you've probably stopped to look.

We sat down with Franck to talk about his journey, his creative process, and the story behind the work hanging in our gallery. Here's what he shared.

You didn't start out as a visual artist. What came first?

"I was always involved in the arts as a whole. I come from a family of dancers, traditional dancers of Nicaragua, which is where I'm from. I was always exposed to the arts in that way. But when I was growing up, I wanted to be a musician. I played guitar since I was 15. My dream was to be in music and then in acting. I got to be active in both before evolving into visual arts."

When did visual art enter the picture?

"When I was in my twenties. Because of the war in Nicaragua and things that happened in my family. My art deals with migration and separation of family, disintegration of family through war, migration, or even loss, and how these affect family dynamics. I became really affected emotionally by a lot of what my mind started to show me. I kind of quit the music and the acting and became reclusive for a little bit, seeking help. And then I just picked up those cheap watercolors and the paper from a Duane Reade. And here I am."

Your gallery pieces have a powerful origin story. Can you share what happened?

"In 2014, our home and my studio burnt down. It was a total loss. I lost my life's work. Not a sketch was saved, not a book, not a journal, nothing. When I moved to Washington Heights and started painting again, I went back to the site and noticed there was charcoal left on the floor from the fire. I picked up the charcoal, mashed it, and put it into the black paint. I took the ashes and mixed them with the ink, and I began to do portraits."

What do you want people to feel when they see your work?

"I just want people to be stimulated. Even the people who go up to a painting and say, 'I absolutely hate this.’ If they've been stimulated by that work, my job is done.”

How do you know when a piece is finished?

"A piece is never finished. I think the audience finishes the painting. Art can be a mirror. It can be a look within for both the artist and the audience. It's very rewarding when people tell me, 'I know people like that,' or, 'That reminds me of someone.' They don't even need to go into the meaning. The fact that they connect with it, that's what matters."

Creative blocks. Have you been there? What advice would you give a student who's stuck?

"Recognize that a creative block is not always that you're not doing anything. A creative block is that you don't like what you're doing. And this is where discipline is really important. A lot of artists keep chasing inspiration, waiting for inspiration. That's a really romantic element of art, and it's beautiful and powerful. But your best friend is discipline. Inspiration comes and goes, and when the two join, it's magic. But when inspiration leaves again, you still have your discipline.

What's the worst advice you've ever gotten about your art?

"The one-size-fits-all element for art. What works for one artist doesn't mean it's going to work for you. The worst kind of advice is when someone shows you, 'This is the meaning of success.' The reality is, as an artist, you define what success means to you. I'm a successful artist because I have the privilege to get up and make art. What more can I ask for? So the worst advice would be: get into this box, follow this trend, follow this path for it to work. It doesn't work that way, because there's a reason why different things work for different people."

Do you listen to music while you work?

"I can't work without music. I love '80s rock and metal. And then Latin, jazz. A pretty wide variety. I'm always listening to music. And if I'm in the middle of a book, I'll have the audiobook going while I work too. A lyric can send my mind all over the place. It's not necessarily affecting the work I'm doing in that moment, but I'm always listening. I'll hear something, a date or a reference, and I'll go research it. That becomes new information that can serve as reference for my work or even a title."

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Franck de las Mercedes' work is on display in our gallery at School in the Square on 12 Sherman Avenue. To learn more about Franck and his work, go here .

Why Families Choose School in the Square

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:54:27 GMT

Every child should be recognized, supported, and equipped for the future. At School in the Square, that's our promise. Families across Upper Manhattan choose us because we offer more than just a strong education. We create a community where students thrive!

A school that knows your child

Your child is not just a number here. At School in the Square, relationships come first. Students are known, supported, and valued every day. This helps them build confidence and feel safe in their learning environment.

“I feel calm knowing that my daughters not only receive academic education, but also values, guidance, and a safe environment where they can grow and develop.” — Cesarina R., parent

Whole-child support

We focus on academics and personal growth. Students have access to academics, student services, arts, sports, and leadership opportunities. Our approach ensures your child’s emotional development is supported alongside their academic success.

Learn more about our approach

Bilingual learning opportunities

In early childhood and elementary school, students strengthen their Spanish skills while building a strong academic foundation. This helps them grow with confidence and prepares them for a diverse world.

Support beyond the classroom

We offer free after-school and summer programs, including STEM and job readiness. We also support families through resources such as a monthly food pantry that serves over 300 families.

Preparing students for what’s next

From middle school through high school, students build independence and prepare for college and future careers. They gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the next stage of their journey.

Apply to School in the Square

Secure a brighter future for your child. Take the next step today. Contact us for more information or to schedule a tour at enrollment@schoolinthesquare.org . Don’t wait. Opportunities start here!

Apply now

Learn how to apply

How to Apply to School in the Square

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:56:39 GMT

Applying to a new school can feel overwhelming, especially when you are navigating applications, deadlines, and lottery systems. School in the Square makes the process clear and accessible for families applying for the 2026-27 school year.

Each year, thousands of New York City families apply to join a supportive, high-quality public charter school community. If you’re exploring your options, learn more about our approach and learning pillars .

Ready to get started? Apply today

Step-by-step application process

This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.

Confirm eligibility

School in the Square is open to all Pre-K through 11th-grade students who reside in New York State. The school welcomes transfer students, students with IEPs, and bilingual learners.

All eligible students have an equal opportunity through the lottery process.

Choose how to apply

There are two ways to apply to School in the Square:

Applying through SchoolMint is the quickest and easiest option.

If you choose to use the School in the Square print application, you can submit it in one of the following ways:

Email the application to enroll@schoolinthesquare.org
Deliver the application in person to any School in the Square campus
Mail the application to the address below

Mailing Address

School in the Square

Attn: Enrollment

12 Sherman Avenue

New York, NY 10040

Submit your application

Submit your application for the 2026–27 school year before April 2, 2026. Applications are currently open for students in Pre-K through 11th grade.

School in the Square serves students across:

How the lottery works

Like all public charter schools in New York City, School in the Square uses a random lottery system for admission. The lottery is completely random and open to all eligible applicants, with no test scores, interviews, grades, or prior school records required.

Lottery Date

April 2, 2026

Admissions preferences

We give priority to siblings of current students and children of staff, and students living in School District 6.

We are committed to accepting all applicants to School in the Square. If your child is not selected in the initial lottery, they will be placed on a waitlist. We continue to make offers throughout the summer and into the fall as seats become available.

Key dates to remember

Applications are open now for the 2026-27 school year
The lottery takes place on April 2, 2026

Apply before the lottery date to secure your child’s spot in the selection process.

Need help with the application?

The School in the Square enrollment team is available to support families through every step of the process. For questions or to schedule a tour, contact us at enroll@schoolinthesquare.org .

Apply now

Attend an Open House

Hard Work Pays Off as S2 Students Attend NBA Cares Event

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:01:09 GMT

At School in the Square, we believe hard work should open doors. Last week, it opened one to the NBA.

Through our partnership with Sports Health, ten of our middle school students were invited to attend a day trip hosted by NBA Cares. Students weren't just handed tickets. They were selected by their coaches based on grades, effort, attitude, behavior, and Kickboard points. Every student in that room earned their seat.

Why This Mattered

Jesse Hammock, our School in the Square Middle's Director of Athletics, made a point to attend personally, not just to cheer the students on, but to build relationships and network on behalf of S2 so that opportunities like this keep coming our way.

That's the bigger picture: the more we show up in these spaces, the more doors we open for our students down the road.

And there's something else.

"Students need to see that hard work truly pays off," says Hammock. "They also need opportunities to see people who look like them in bigger spaces. They belong in these spaces, and one of the best ways to shift and change mindsets is to immerse them in environments where they can see what’s possible."

What They Did

Coaches at the event ran students through drills and activities designed to push their heart rates up, giving them a hands-on lesson in cardiovascular health. Here's the thing: students hear the word "cardiovascular" in class all the time.

"The students were excited because they weren’t just told what it meant. They were able to feel and understand it," says Hammock.

The students also bonded with each other through movement, and that matters too as we continue to build a stronger, more connected athletic program at S2.

The Takeaway for Our Community

Moments like this are a reminder of what we're working toward. Our coaches are watching. They notice who shows up, who puts in the effort, and who carries themselves with the right attitude, day in and day out. Opportunities like an NBA Cares event come to those who earn them. Our students proved that last week, and we couldn't be more proud.

Black History in Super Bowl Ink

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:40:56 GMT

The Student Reflection Series shines a light on student writers at School in the Square. Kendrick Morales's first piece for the school reflects on Bad Bunny's performance at Super Bowl LX.

By: Kendrick Morales, a 9th grader at School in the Square High

The music. The dance. The rhythm. His unmatched energy. And, of course, the flags of every nation in the Americas. Bad Bunny’s halftime show during the Super Bowl was a sight to behold. I know this because I was one of the nearly 130 million viewers who tuned in to watch this remarkable artist perform entirely in Spanish.

That this unforgettable performance took place during Black History Month made it even more powerful to me. This might sound silly. When we think of Black History Month, our thoughts naturally turn to icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, and Rosa Parks. What does a Puerto Rican rapper have to do with that, you might ask?

Well, first and foremost, Puerto Rico’s history is deeply connected to Africa, and reggaetón itself is rooted in Afro-Caribbean rhythms and traditions shaped by the African diaspora. But I would like to point out something else. While icons like Dr. King and Rosa Parks paved the way for civil rights, Bad Bunny continues that legacy by bringing our diverse cultures to the world’s biggest stages.

Is the rapper a civic agent, like the famous civil rights leaders before him? I think he is. After all, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance wasn't just about music. It was about making Afro-Latinos and many other voices heard. The occasion held personal importance to me as someone who comes from Latino heritage. Watching these two worlds collide was empowering and almost as if I were watching a new chapter of history being written.

In our own school, we see this beautiful intersection of cultures every day. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember that Black and Afro-Latino history is not just something we learn about in class or look back on; it is being written right now and shaping many aspects of our lives. And if history is still being written, then your voice, your heritage, and your actions are the ink — so go write a chapter worth reading.

Coach Tee on Growing Up in NYC, Joining School in the Square, and Why Belief Changes Everything

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:27:59 GMT

Meet Tamara Vega, the Director of Early Childhood Education. For many, she's also known as Coach Tee, a community champion, and the kind of person who shows up for students with her whole heart. Born and raised in the Lower East Side at NYCHA LaGuardia Houses, she knows firsthand what it means to beat the odds and carry your roots with pride.

From mentoring youth in her neighborhood at 14 to building belonging for bilingual learners at S2, Coach Tee brings love, lived experience, and an unmatched energy to everything she does. Get to know the woman behind the role.

Represent where you were born and raised! What are you most proud about being from your community?

I was born and raised in the Lower East Side, specifically at NYCHA LaGuardia Houses. I grew up in the projects, and kids from communities like mine are often counted out of conversations about success. I’m proud to say that I carried my neighborhood with me at every level of success launching programs, attending and supporting council meetings as early as 14, and mentoring youth to feel fearless and worthy of opportunity. My roots remind me daily where I came from and why representation matters.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

My parents. Excellence was the only option in our household. Their dedication to me and my sisters instilled the belief that knowledge could set us free and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.

How would you describe what you do?

I will always be Coach Tee. My role is to support my teams, students, friends, and family helping them harness their best and sharing everything I know to uplift them on their journey. I see my work as love in action because I believe everyone is capable of excellence, and I want to help them see it too.

What’s one of your favorite memories/moments at School in the Square?

Meeting Jumaane Saunders , Principal of our Bilingual Early Childhood Center and Elementary !

He had just returned from the Dominican Republic, where he had served as a principal, and with only weeks to prepare for the school year, he still took the time to notice me. I’ll never forget standing curbside with him as he waited for a cab. He shared several qualities he believed made me a perfect fit for the S2 community. I was blown away! In the midst of relocating his family, building a vision for the new elementary school, and hiring and training staff, he didn’t hesitate to ask me—not once, but twice—to join his team. That moment revealed his deep commitment to our students and the value he places on our existing community. I knew that together, alongside our teachers and fellow leaders, we would create opportunities for our kids to grow as strong bilingual leaders, while ensuring their happiness, safety, and sense of belonging.

What advice do you want to share with our students?

Believe in yourself. Trust that you are capable of more than you may think, even when challenges feel big or the path isn’t clear. Your voice, your ideas, and your efforts matter. Every step you take toward your goals—big or small—builds confidence, courage, and resilience. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are proof that you are trying, learning, and growing. Remember, the world needs your unique talents and perspective, and believing in yourself is the first step to sharing them with others. And of course, I LOVE YOU!

What do you love about working at your campus?

Coaching and spending time with students, while also being behind the scenes to create events that celebrate and spotlight them. It’s rewarding to see their growth and joy firsthand.

What’s an interest, skill, or hobby you pursue outside of school?

I’m basically Carmen Sandiego! if I’m not at work, you won’t find me! I love to travel and often need little to no convincing to book a trip. Experiencing new places fuels my energy and creativity for everything I do at school.

Beyond the Sheet Music: Getting to Know Mr. Moreno

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:13:40 GMT

A graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Music Performance, Mr. Giancarlo Moreno brings his professional artistry to our students every day at School in the Square High. As the high school's music teacher, Mr. Moreno plans lessons, teaches students how to read music and play instruments, and provides feedback so students can improve their skills.

Mr. Moreno recently chaperoned an incredible opportunity for a few of our 9th graders: a visit to SoundCloud headquarters, the popular global music platform. During the trip, students met with professionals across a wide range of fields—from law and operations to marketing, and even the CEO. Each person shared their unique career trajectory, showing our students that while paths may look very different, people can still come together to work toward one mission and goal. You can currently see highlights from this trip on display in the high school lobby photo gallery.

We caught up with Mr. Moreno to learn more about his work, his hobbies, and his advice for our community:

What’s one thing about your role that most people may not realize?

I have to practice and warm up a good amount everyday to keep my hands and skills up to play and model for students. The majority of my students are playing music, specifically guitar right now, so I have to make sure I can handle that much playing everyday. This also turns into my time to decompress and almost like meditate and reset.

What’s one of your favorite memories/moments at School in the Square?

Recently I really enjoyed the ice skating trip we did as a school in December. It was great to see students doing a fun activity all together. Also, I had never really ice skated before so it was also fun to try something new, learn from students and experience something as a community.

What advice do you want to share with our students?

Small goals make big changes. Doing those “little things” everyday or consistently will truly make big differences later on.

What do you love about working at your campus?

I love working in a school where teachers can share their opinions and ideas freely and make real differences in a school. That is a rare opportunity that does not happen everywhere.

What’s an interest, skill or hobby you pursue outside of school?

I really enjoy cooking and cooking for my partner. We moved recently into a new apartment and have been trying to host dinners for our friends and family. We even cooked for 12 people for Thanksgiving in our studio apartment!

A Mom to All: Mrs. DeLeon's Impact at S2

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:58:08 GMT

Step into School in the Square (S2) Middle in Washington Heights, and the first person you might see is Mrs. Jeanette DeLeon, the school's office manager and the first hire in the school's history. Mrs. DeLeon has been at the school since it opened in 2016 and has been a steady force for our S2 community.

As a mom of six and grandparent of eight, caring for others comes naturally to Mrs. DeLeon. Whether greeting families at the front desk or checking in on students throughout the day, she's a constant, reassuring presence in the building.

Learn more about Mrs. DeLeon below.

What’s one thing about your role that most people may not realize?

I enjoy helping our parents. I've always said since day one, I am here for our students and our staff, but most importantly for our parents. I am always trying to do things through that lens. I'm always asking myself, what do parents need? What are they looking for?

Middle school is a new milestone for their kids, and for parents, it can be a hard time. I know it can be scary to let go and see their child become independent. When a parent is nervous, I tell them that I always treat every kid as if they're my own—I look out for them. I want parents to know that when their child is in this building, they're in good hands. I have eight grandkids, so there's no way that I can just detach myself from our students.

How would you describe your relationship with S2 families?

I've been with S2 for 10 years and can honestly say, I remember every student and family who has walked through our doors. They will always be a part of my family.

What’s one of your favorite memories/moments at School in the Square?

Our first graduation in 2019. This was our first class—we started with families who didn't know us, we were a brand new school. They took that leap of faith with us and here we were three years later with their kids graduating and being sent off to high school. It was just so nice to have that moment with parents and see their kids move onto this new chapter in their lives.

What advice do you want to share with our students?

When some students come in, they're afraid to do things. They're nervous and don't want to speak up. I try to tell them, the student that's sitting next to you is just as nervous and afraid of trying new things. If you want to do something, like if there's a club that you're interested in, speak to an adult or come to me. I encourage them to join the clubs and join the teams as those memories stay with them always.

What do you love about working at your campus?

The sense of family and teamwork. We all look out for one another. People are quick to volunteer to help. Our staff will always knock on my door and say, "Hey, is there anything that I can do?" Even if it's just to offer me lunch.

When staff feel like family, students notice. They feel known by everyone—no matter the grade level or which teacher they interact with. I see kids from different grades feeling comfortable speaking to any staff member, even eighth graders talking to teachers from other grades.

What’s an interest, skill or hobby you pursue outside of school?

Once a month, I go hiking with a group called Camp Uwani. It's time I get to spend with friends and my daughters.

For the last four or five years, I kept telling my daughter, "I really want to go hiking, but I don't see any information on groups I can join. I can't imagine doing it by myself." Then, all of a sudden, this group popped up about three years ago, and it's been great.

We've done hikes in all five boroughs and a little bit of Westchester. The group is usually around 25 adults—mostly people in their 20s and 30s, with a few retirees. Two of my daughters come with me, which is wonderful. It's nice for us to connect, and they get to socialize and network with the group. Meanwhile, I get some quiet time and time out in nature, which I really love.