Imagine Me Leadership is an all-boys charter school that opened in September 2010 in East New York.  The school enrolled 120 students in kindergarten and first grade for its inaugural year and will expand by one grade per year until it serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The school is the brainchild of Pastor David K. Brawley of the St.Paul Community Baptist Church, who founded the school on the belief that  boys  perform best in an environment "they perceive as safe physically, socially and emotionally, "according the school's brochure.  Imagine Me’s founding principal, Rashid Johnson, worked as teacher and administrator in Washington D.C. schools, most recently with Hyde Leadership Charter School, according to Imagine Me’s executive director, Delores Skinner who spoke with Insideschools.

Instruction will follow the Core Knowledge curriculum, which is based on the work of E.D. Hirsch, author of Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know. In addition to studying English, math, science and social studies, students will take classes in art, music, and gym.

The school is housed temporarily in spaced leased from the St. Paul Church until a permanent site is found in the neighborhood.  "We plan to stay in East New York," said Skinner.  The school day runs from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. After school activities, including homework help, sports, music, art African dance and karate run from 4 to 6 p.m.

To foster parent involvement the school offers classes in parenting and computer skills.  A social worker also provides support to struggling families.

Admissions:  By lottery. Priority to students in District 19.  Check the school's website for more information. (Laura Zingmond, telephone interview, October 2010)