Khalil Gibran International Academy

New York City is breaking up large, ineffective school districts into smaller and more successful academies. Because of funding provided by Bill and Melinda Gates, schools are experimenting with

  • High School of Violin and Dance
  • The Peace and Diversity Academy
  • Academy for Careers in Sports
  • The Food and Finance High school
  • Academy for Hospitality and Tourism
  • Academy for Visual Arts and Theater

Specialty academies have created much interest in education and many other states are doing the same. Debbie Almontaser, who has a son serving in the National Guard, thinks the time is right for an Arab academy. Almontaser is a New York City educator of Muslim and Yemeni background and will be the director of the school. She has worked to fight prejudice and stereotyping of Arabs and Muslims after Sept. 11.