Building citizens & scholars, brick by brick.

PAVE Academy Charter School has been an integral part of the Red Hook, Brooklyn community since 2008.

PAVE provides a K-8 experience that lays the foundation for a productive and choice-filled life.

MISSION

We build our students brick by brick, equipping them with the academic, social, and emotional skills that they need to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, overcomers and leaders in their communities.

Provide an overview of PAVE’s mission and how its programs have positively impacted students, families, and the community.

More Than a School

At PAVE, we are more than a school, we are a family. Staff members, families and community organizations work together in unity to create a warm, safe and joyful learning environment, where students can blossom into the best version of themselves.

No Limits

At PAVE, the possibilities are endless, and we will not settle for less than our best. PAVE classrooms focus deeply on the growth and achievement in all aspects of our students’ academic and social development. We maintain high expectations for our students and for ourselves and commit to providing the care, coaching, and communication needed for students and staff to learn, grow, and shine.

Bright Starts, Vibrant Futures

At PAVE, our classrooms are bright in aesthetic and vibrant with learning. Our teachers and students engage with one another enthusiastically and embrace the challenge and rigor of the work with joy. Fun is not an add on; it is an essential component of the PAVE experience. We believe that a life and love of learning starts here.

Love is Justice

At PAVE, we acknowledge that systemic racism and bias has had its grips on our community for far too long. We create inclusive and equitable spaces where everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone is loved. "Hate cannot drive out Hate. Only Love can do that." We endeavor to bring out the best in our students and each other by, with, and through love. This, we believe, is justice in action.

Lift Every Voice

At PAVE, every voice matters. We value diverse perspectives and insights within our community. We encourage our students to engage with one another and express themselves with both power and respect. As our students prepare to enter the world beyond PAVE, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are equipped and empowered to use their voice effectively to advocate for themselves and others.

History of PAVE

Since 2008, PAVE has been impacting the lives of students by providing a high-quality education, fostering personal growth, and empowering them to succeed both academically and in their communities.

2008

Launch

PAVE was founded in 2008 by Spencer Robertson and Cooper Westendarp. During the school’s inaugural year, the school served 90 Kindergarten and 1st grade students, and was originally co-located within P.S. 15 in Red Hook.

2011

Growth

After 3 years, PAVE expands to serve nearly 250 students in grades K-4. PAVE starts to see test scores improve and compete with other schools across the city and state.

2012

Resilience

Hurricane Sandy caused widespread devastation across New York City, especially in Red Hook. The storm brought severe flooding, damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure– leaving many residents without power and heat for weeks. The PAVE community rallies to re-open school at another site.

2013

Foundation

PAVE moves from co-located school to brand new building at 732 Henry St.

2015

Expansion

PAVE opens PAVE SE, a school in Southeast Raleigh, North Carolina (now RISE Charter School).

2016

Achievement

The 2015-2016 school year marks the first year PAVE Red Hook serves students in all grades K-8. In the Spring, the first cohort of 8th grade students graduate from PAVE and move on to top-tier high schools across the city.

2020

Perseverance

COVID-19 forces PAVE to switch to remote learning, a transition that presents both challenges and opportunities for students and educators alike. Teachers and families work together to support each student's success during this unprecedented time. In the Fall of 2020, PAVE re-opens and offers in-person instruction to students.

2021

Evolution

Dr. Marsha Gadsden steps in as Executive Director, ushering PAVE into its next phase of growth and leadership.

2024

Excellence

PAVE outperforms averages of both New York City and New York State on the New York State Exams.

our space

PAVE Academy’s building, completed in 2013, is a remarkable space designed to inspire both students and educators. The facility is filled with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the learning experience. With state-of-the-art classrooms, modern technology, and innovative design, the building fosters an environment that supports creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence. Every detail of the space is crafted to ensure that students have access to the best resources, making it a truly incredible place to learn and grow.

Classrooms

Cafeteria

Gymnasium

Hallways

LEADERSHIP

Meet our Executive Director, Dr. Marsha Gadsden

Dr. Marsha Gadsden is a passionate and experienced educator with over 15 years of experience in the field. She is a Brooklyn native, wife, and mother who is deeply committed to transforming the lives of students. Throughout her career, Dr. Gadsden has served in various roles, including principal and managing director. Her leadership has led to significant cultural and academic improvements in the schools she has served. Dr. Gadsden's work has been recognized by the New York Times and she has been invited to share her expertise at numerous conferences. She holds degrees from Georgetown University, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Hunter University, and Vanderbilt University.