International Leadership Charter School

STAFF ‘FIRES’ BACK AT PRINCIPAL, March 11, 2007, New York Post

Reading, writing - and wrongful firings. That's the curriculum at a new charter school in The Bronx, where an "out of control" principal axed three teachers in a month, refused to pay the salaries of two and was found guilty of expelling students without due process, according to furious former employees.

Elaine Ruiz Lopez - founder, CEO and principal of the International Leadership Charter School - allegedly fired math teacher Maria Ortega, English teacher Tiffany Ray and the school's biology teacher less than a month after the school opened in September.

The school serves about 90 ninth-graders, and had fewer than 10 teachers to begin with.

Lopez then fired a fourth person - Spanish teacher Aixa Rodriguez - in November, days after the state Department of Education investigated Rodriguez's claims that the principal was improperly expelling students and not providing necessary speech services.

The state substantiated the claims…

The school's former director of finance and operations, Osiris Stephen - who resigned in October - said Lopez was "verbally abusive to teachers, staff and students."

"It's all about ego with her," he said. "It's not about the kids. If you cross her, you're out."

Ray and Ortega said they submitted resignation letters on Sept. 21 after a month of "harassment." After receiving the letters, Lopez "completely" flipped out, Ortega said.

"She called the cops on us and told us to get out of the building," Ortega said. "We were more than willing to finish the day and four more weeks to fulfill our contract, but she screamed at us to get out and said we were fired."

"She said we'd never work in a charter school again," said Ray.

Ray and Ortega said they were forced to go to small-claims court for six weeks worth of pay that Lopez refused to give them. Ortega won almost $5,000 on Feb. 6 but has still not been paid. Ray's hearing was postponed.

Seventeen students sent a letter to Lopez, calling the firings "mean and racist" and complaining they get "a new teacher almost every week."

Lopez, a self-proclaimed "Puerto Rican woman of color," said accusations of racism are "unequivocally not true."…

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, the school is corrupted, refusing students to take the regents exams only to make the school "look" high standard compared to others. I blame the staff and environment for these causes. A High School boxed in a one floor. Students suffer not having ventilation, taking 1 hour minimum classes in heated rooms. If it were my opinion, i would close down the school for the students sake.

Anonymous said...

The school isnt any better. I am a senior at that he'll hole and I can't wait to get out of that so called school. Dr Lopez pretends to be all nice to everyone and doesn't even know how to run a school. I just wish more people would realize how unstable the school is right now. The department of education should closed down the school at the very beginning.

Anonymous said...

Annoyed Parent,
My child is a Senior and does not have about 3 teachers needed to teach the classes. This should have been a priority for Dr. Lopez to fill these position, if she intended to fire teachers for "meeting the bar" as she calls it. Now the Seniors who are preparing themselves for college have to sit in classes for 1 hr or 1 1/2 hrs. doing nothing since there is no teacher or sub to give them work. These is the worst handling of a Charter school I have seen. The Board of Ed should shut her down or take over. I know there are plenty of licenced teachers who would be glad for the opportunity for a job. Does unemployment mean anything to Dr. Lopez? She also made the Seniors daily schedule longer a regular job - 9 hours with 30 minutes for lunch. A job is 8 hrs with 1 hour lunch. This is abuse, the parents should join together and take a stand against Dr. Lopez deceit and failure to tell us what her plans are to rectify this choatic situation. :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Parents and Readers.
First of all this is old and tired news that happened in 2007. This is all being led by former teachers and those who do not care about the students nor charter schools. Teachers who are fired or not invited back who are incompetent should not be in the classroom and what Dr. Lopez and the Board should do is go after every one of these staff members who are a bunch of pedophiles on facebook with minors who are manipulating kids and are angry that they cannot find a job anywhere due to their incompetence. The majority of parents support this school. The school stands on its merits and the school leaders have done a fantastic job in spite of the nonsense. This is a successful school and my child graduated with honors and is enrolled in the University as well as 30 other of his classmates who graduated last year. If you don't like the school do the kids and community a favor and move on!!

Anonymous said...

The school itself is unstable. They decent teachers but the problem is, they have people there who dong know how to run a school. Dr. Lopez doesn't care about the school or the employees, she cares about making an impression but that's impossible because that school is small, they only have one emergency exist and the classrooms have no AC ventilations. Seriously parents need to stop defending that school because it's unorganized!!! Back in June, several students protested because they weren't allowed to sit for any of the regents because of their "low grades", this is ridiculous!!

Anonymous said...

I would bet my last dime that the letter written to 'parents and teachers' was from non other than the principal herself. What about the other 52 students from that co-hort that didn't graduate?

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. (John 8:32)” said...

These are all valid comments. the truth is that the problem does stem from 2007 and has not improved. It is 2010 and last year Dr. Lopez fired or lost over 20 staff members in the school year 2009-2010. Many of her practices are illegal and unethical. Dr. Lopez is well connected and staff, students and parents are afraid to speak up because in the end it is the kids who suffer. If a student tries to question what is going on or advocates for themselves they are suspended. Open your eyes. The vision that Dr. Lopez created is not the one she is carrying out. What administrator do you know would call the police on their own students because they wanted to sit for a regents exam that they are LEGALLY entitled to take? Surely not one that has her student's best interest in mind.

Former Teacher said...

"Cannot find a job anywhere due to their incompetence"? "Pedophiles"? I'm disappointed to see that we've resorted to name-calling.

I used to teach at ILCS, and I suspect I know toward whom the "pedophiles" comment was directed, and I also know it is unfounded—a single Facebook conversation between a single student and a single former teacher that had no ill intent—stemming largely from Dr. Lopez's paranoia and tendency to assume there is conspiracy afoot.

Obviously "competence" will have a different meaning for each person, but it's hard to argue that the firings and resignations—more than half of last year's staff—were from discovery of widespread incompetence (or pedophilia, for that matter). Furthermore, so far as I am aware, all but one of the staff members who quit or were fired last year—did I mention it was more than half?—are once again gainfully employed, most of them in education, and doing very well from all accounts I have heard.

I would post some horror stories about the staff members that are lauded by the school's leadership—and are still working there—but that I do still have some professional courtesy for my colleagues that are, despite their shortcomings, doing the best they know.

Dumping this back on disgruntled teachers is a claim simply not borne out by the facts. If three teachers left or were fired, I might hear that argument; if 2007 was the only incident, I might call it an aberration; but when you put this all together, the only credible conclusion you can draw is that there is a failure of leadership to find, attract, and retain qualified human capital.

Anonymous said...

Didn't Lopez come from the epic period of protesting, standing up to "the man" for better education.
You have sold yourself to the "man machine" You are a reflection of their work. LMAO

a frustruated senior said...

well im a current student n this school its been living hell ! they are suspending kds for ANY reason which are...
1. a young lady had a button that said happy birthday and she got suspended for this.
2. a young ;ady said the school smelled like dead rat she also got suspended
3. a gentlemen asked the dean why he was moving him from a seat to another and ALSO got suspended i could go on and on! as we can see theres no freedom of speech in our school and we are being harrased at evrymoment. Of course every parent needs to take action us students ca not because we end up gtting in trouble or mrs. Lopez ends up brain ashing the spanish speacking parents. Evry student in that school is frustruated because we are being harrased evry day!

Anonymous said...

Dr. Lopez cannot claim that she fired all that staff because of incompetence. She can probably count the people she actually fired on one hand. A couple of teachers said they had no intention of returning so their contracts weren't renewed and over a dozen resigned. It would not surprise me if she posted the comment addressed to parents/readers and that she would resort to name calling. She is known for throwing wild accusations and making crazy comments and exhibiting extremely paranoid behavior. She needs help. But more importantly the community is really suffering. the parents and students deserve better. Parents/students should attend board meetings.

a frustruated senio said...

us students nor parents are told when these board meetings take place and i know for a fact that they have to send a letter out saying that we could go but they never do!

Anonymous said...

Concern parent: It is embarrassing as a parent to have a person like Dr. Lopez in charge of my kid education. It has been proven that this school lacks of communicating with the students and it's parents, give wrongfull info. to the parents, having kids fill oppressed by her and it's staff by destroying their character, Etc... I have so much to say and show, so on 11/29/10 @ 6:00p there will be a board meeting I encouarge all the parents to assit for their kids education.

Anonymous said...

Speakup2011@yahoo.com

Anyone, that has information on the abuse that is going on at The International Leadership Charter School, at 2900 EXTERIOR STREET, BRONX, NY 10463.
That is under the control of the tyrant, Elaine Ruiz Lopez.

It is time to speak up. Please E-mail any information to this E-mail Address.

Speakup2011@yahoo.com

We are collecting all kind if information. We need anything that you have.
Please get in touch with all of the old teachers, the students that were expelled/
“ Kicked out “ of school for whatever reasons.
Students that where harassed, or bullied.
Parents tell us everything that you’ve gone through. Like not being able to get in touch with the so-called board that by the way is under her control. That’s why this is going over them.

Please, Please, This is for real, BUT WE NEED YOUR INFORMATION.
Tell us what you know.
Your Names will not be given to anyone, BUT if we can contact you in order to get the whole story, in case that we need your help,
it would be appreciated.

Call everyone; let them know that it is time.

Thank You for your help.
Speakup2011@yahoo.com

Speakup2011@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Speakup2011@yahoo.com

Anyone, that has information on the abuse that is going on at The International Leadership Charter School, at 2900 EXTERIOR STREET, BRONX, NY 10463.
That is under the control of the tyrant, Elaine Ruiz Lopez.

It is time to speak up. Please E-mail any information to this E-mail Address.

Speakup2011@yahoo.com

We are collecting all kind if information. We need anything that you have.
Please get in touch with all of the old teachers, the students that were expelled/
“ Kicked out “ of school for whatever reasons.
Students that where harassed, or bullied.
Parents tell us everything that you’ve gone through. Like not being able to get in touch with the so-called board that by the way is under her control. That’s why this is going over them.

Please, Please, This is for real, BUT WE NEED YOUR INFORMATION.
Tell us what you know.
Your Names will not be given to anyone, BUT if we can contact you in order to get the whole story, in case that we need your help,
it would be appreciated.

Call everyone; let them know that it is time.

Thank You for your help.
Speakup2011@yahoo.com

Speakup2011@yahoo.com

speakup2011@yahoo.com said...

Lets Go People, It is time Lets Go People
speakup2011@yahoo.com
PLEASE HELP us, we don’t have much time. Every year this Tyrant, expels half of the yearly class in order to make her charter school look good. She only lets the kids that she likes take the reagents exams, and they mysteriously pass all of their test. The other kids of the parents that ask questions about the school, get low or failing grades. The teachers don’t understand why the best students fail the regents or their classes.

At this time of the year Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez. There is to much to explain in a short time. Please look at some of this.

http://charterschoolscandals.blogspot.com/2010/07/international-leadership-charter-school.html

http://www.endteacherabuse.org/Rodriguez.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bronx/2007/05/11/2007-05-11_principal_quits_after_kids_picket-1.html

There is much more, and many parents that want to get to together, but DR. Lopez, keeps check of the internet. If any kid or parents puts up any negative info about The International Leadership Charter School in the Bronx.
She, DR. Lopez calls the Child into her office and tells them that they better take off that info from the internet or they will be expelled from school.

Dr. Lopez also tells the parents how she puts up restraining orders on teachers and parents that try to speak up against her. Some parents went to the board of trustees against the CEO DR. Elaine Ruiz Lopez, and their children were expelled from school with only a few months left to graduate.

WE NEED THE HELP OF PARENTS ACROSS AMERICA
WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR IDENTITY SECRET.

speakup2011@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

It took six months for my son's school to finally get an official transcript. Not only is the school corrupt, Dr. Jenkins supports all of Lppez's illegal actions. He is equally corrupt and should be investigated as well.

We as a group should go to the media and speak up about the school's abuse toward the students.

Anonymous said...

To Prospective International Leadership Charter school parents and students,
This is the WORST Charter school EVER!!!! Dr. Lopez is a liar and lives by her own made up rules that she imposes on students and staff. She thinks she is invincible. Dr. Jenkins is her loyal puppy who follows her oral directions verbatim. This school uses unethical educational practices. It is discriminatory and uses intimidation and coerces students to follow a ridiculous handbook. Individuality is not allowed. This school should be closed down immediately!!!

Anonymous said...

Honestly, I attended the school for 3 years and its been an awful experience for me and all my peers. The school expects too much from the students and in an obvious term Lopez wants the school to be so called "perfect" which is of course impossible for any school to accomplish. Students suffer by getting suspended for nearly reasons that are not their faults and show low or no proof or reasons that are extremely minor. They must find other consequences! and the school must be discharged from the New York Department of Education for the sake of the students who are suffering daily in the halls of this school!

Anonymous said...

I am a furious student at this school and it may seem like the school is at great performance, when visitors visit the school with Dr. Lopez walking around the halls for supervision but the visitors dont know what happens in the daily basics at this school. From threatening, to comments that affects us emotionally. The school has done illegal actions and us the students suffer the effects! It has gone out of control at this point! And our voices are never heard by our parents, so this makes me write this comment. It must discharged immediately to be honest! And this is honestly the truth, make the students voices be heard New York!!!

Anonymous said...

A complete nightmare run by a frustrated autocrat who wouldn't know how to teach a class if the school's life depended on it. How many staff members have left in the past year without giving any notice? Why? Grades are arbitrary and Dr. Lopez even has Regents re-graded just to pass kids NYSED should close this place down.

Anonymous said...

I've been reading some of the comments and they seem pretty awful. So I decided to investigate further. You see, my child goes to this shool since last year. And yes there are complaints about the long hours and hard work but that was exactly what I wanted and what my child wanted. So I investigated a little more to see if there was any truth to this messy story. I see a pattern. Is this being done by someone who has a grudge? Perhaps a former teacher? Seems to me it does. It seems to me that there is a common thread like if someone is being coached. It doesnt make sense. I see accusations without evidence. I see accusations that are just opinions and not facts. I dont much about this but what I do know is that my child is A BETTER person, doing better than I would have imagined, I can reach the principal and the staff easily even though it may not be at the minute I want because I understand that they have A SCHOOL TO RUN. I for one DO NOT WANT BAD TEACHERS with my kids. If that means firing the staff, so be it. Isnt that we all want? What do you want? for them to stay there? For that you go to a public school and get a crappy education. I too requested a transcript for a program my child applied for and got it in a reasonably quick time. I dont know what this is all about. I say, beware of the manipulators who are trying to destroy something good FOR ONCE IN THE BRONX. I dont know about the emotional abuse..my child is never abused. So SpeakUp2011@yahoo.com, I believe you're behind this. Dont mess up a good thing. You must be one of those teachers who were fired. That's all I know. If you dont like it, then MOVE ON. Dont spoil a good thing.

Anonymous said...

Dear Anonymous: (Posted Nov. 1, 2011) This is my first time reading this blog. I have to say I lived a unfortunate situation a few years ago, working at this charter school. I have to say the students are wonderful and many of my past colleagues were educated and dedicated teachers. I have to say it is very unfortunate to say that the administrator should not be working with children. When I worked at this school I witnessed how she would yell at student for them not being in a straight line, for having their book-bags on the floor next to their desks and for not a student sitting with a straight posture on his desk. This woman truly needs help. No person in the his/her right mind would yell at a student in front of their peers. Not only did this women often yell at students but also at her colleagues. One year this school lost 13 teachers and staff members because of this woman's inept ways. Imagine this, that year the Director of instruction Roberta Cummings, the Director of Human Resources Kelsey Blumenstock, The Accountant, both guidance counselors and more than a handful of teachers and staff left the school because of the administrators mediocre and abusive ways. This is only the tip of the iceberg, this woman even changed legal documents to meet certain deadlines, requirements and standards that she failed to achieve. You can say and believe what you want however, I advise that you think about all of these comments and ponder on the reason behind these complaints. If you are such a responsible parent you would take these complaints as an sign of an alarming situation and further investigate. A complete and wholesome education cannot be achieved if parents are not fully aware of their children's academic surroundings. Food for thought, administrators, teachers, parents and the academic community at large need to model the appropriate behaviors so that our students can become complete, respectful and responsible citizens. If students, teachers and staff are treated with disrespect, what values are we teaching our kids? I hope you think about what is best for your child and hope you communicate with him/her and really ask what is going on in this so called school. Remember an educational setting should be one of respect & good values.

Anonymous said...

I am a formal student of this school and Elaine Lopez is such a faker. This school should deserve to be shut down for the lack of teachers and real education. There has been teachers in and out the school since the beginning of September.Students haven't received a real grade since, the school just passes everyone with a 80 without students even picking up a pen. This woman is so rude, she really needs to be exposed. News reporters should deffinetly investigate more about this horrible school and get it shut down as soon as possible

Anonymous said...

I only know of one staff member that holds a grudge against the school and that was Aixa Rodriguez a few years ago. There is evidence of Dr. Lopez's illegal actions (hence the multiple lawsuits). Unfortunately she gets away with a lot because parents have to go through her to reach the board. Staff and parents are not given contact information of the board. The security officers have a list of students, former staff and parents that are not allowed in the building for these board meetings should they attend. Aside from all the issues my biggest complaint is the fact that the students are not allowed to take the regents exams that they are LEGALLY required to take. Lopez even sent a letter to all the parents saying that she would not let students sit for exams if they are failing the class and received a low score on the PSAT. Go to the DOE website and look up regents policy. THIS IS ILLEGAL!! When parents complain to the district they are told that they must contact Dr. Lopez. Most of the time people just give up and the students are the ones who ultimately suffer.

Anonymous said...

Let's clarify something. Dr. Lopez's actions run the spectrum of illegal to just plain wrong. Here is a list:

Illegal:
1) Preventing students from taking Regents exams. Almost all the students take the same exact classes. For example: if all 10th grade students take Algebra they should be able to sit for the exam since it is a graduation requirement. (Some students are eligible for the RCT) regardless, they have to sit for the exam to graduate. Perhaps Dr. Lopez should refer to this memo from DOE:

http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/CD2B5619-0A75-4977-AF19-1A8172BC6998/0/MEMO4Jan2012Regents.pdf

Page 2.

2) Expelling/Suspending students without due process. The policy of the school is to suspend first and ask questions later. Students have also been expelled without properly notifying parents or holding expulsion meetings without representation from the student's family.

3) Blocking unemployment for staff. Or not paying staff for a full year of service. Lopez will often not pay staff for the summer although they have completed their service year and are salary employees.

4) "Firing" staff who have resigned.

5) Not holding a public lottery EVERY Year.

6) Tampering with federal mail. Dr. Lopez has a staff member go through the mail and throw out correspondence addressed to staff members from the UFT.

7) Changing scores on Regents exams. Again refer to the memo page 5:
http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/CD2B5619-0A75-4977-AF19-1A8172BC6998/0/MEMO4Jan2012Regents.pdf

8) Passing Special Education students in classes where they have not met the requirements set forth by the teacher simply because they come to school

9) Denying schools and/or parents official school transcripts

10) Promoting students to the next grade with little or no credits.

Not sure if these things are illegal but they certainly sound unethical:
1) Claiming to have fired staff who have notified the school that they will not seek to renew their contract.

2)Not sending school correspondence to parents who have expressed a grievance with the school. (for example if there is a board meeting scheduled not all parents receive notification)

3) Calling the police to have former students/staff/parents removed from the streets surrounding the school

4) Calling the police to arrest former students and accusing them of crimes that they may or may not have been involved in simply because they have been seen in the vicinity of the school

5) Not allowing 9th and 10th graders to interact with 11th and 12th graders because it would "promote dating" amongst students or to prevent interaction amongst students who are suspected of dating


There are so many to list but I think these are amongst the worse

The Perimeter Primate said...

I accidentally deleted this comment:

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "International Leadership Charter School":

THIS IS TO THE PARENT WHO THINKS THAT ILCS IS SUCH A GREAT SCOOL:
ONE PERSON ALONE IS NOT GOING TO WASTE TIME AND WRITE POST AFTER POST ABOUNT ILCS AND THE ILLEGAL ACTONS OF DR. LOPEZ AND STAFF. YOU ARE BLIND.
ENOUGH WRITING. LET'S TAKE ACTION AND HAVE DR. LOPEZ PLACED WHERE SHE BELONGS-IN JAIL!

Anonymous said...

I once worked at this school as a teacher. I stayed the whole year and never left when the other teachers did. I stood by Mrs. Lopez throughout the year by her side amidst all the allegations and having to deal with channel twelve outside the school in the morning numerous times. After all of my loyalty, I was still not brought back the following year. Mrs. Lopez told me very frankly one day that she was "running a business", thoroughly confirming her stance on the educational welfare of the students to me. She also asked me to change the end of the year grades of numerous students that I had previously failed and did not do the work to deserve to pass my class. She did this to improve her end of the year ratings, though passing students just to pass them does not help the student in the long run. She runs the school very much like a dictator and I am surprised to see that she is still working there. There is no end to her corrupt practices, in my particular case she even had to pay a substantial amount to a temp agency after hiring me from the agency full time and lying to the agency about it. From what I have observed of Mrs. Lopez, she is A very incompetent leader who doesn't know how to treat her staff or students with any sense of humanity.

Anonymous said...

If you are planning to send your child to ILCHS it will be one of the biggest mistakes you would ever make! This year alone my second son's teachers have been fired numerous times and the children get no form of excersise. The only reason my child is still there is because he feels comfortable there with his "family". That may be the only good thing that is there. They make close knit familes but the down side is that it confines their ability to meet different people. But again dont send your children there because the principal is corrupt and rude, the school is very small, and teachers are a rare thing to find a times there

Anonymous said...

This school is rotting at the core, and the center of its rot is DR. Elaine Ruiz Lopez. Though her mission's foundation seems to be positive on the surface, the actual inner-workings and the logistics of what happens on a day-to-day basis are appalling. I have witnessed board members, investors, members from the state of New York, and members from the city of New York observe 9th and 10th grade lessons on Wednesdays only. At ILCHS, Wednesdays hold truncated hours, and the students are dismissed at 1:30pm, three hours before the average day. This allows Dr. Lopez to ensure that all classes in the 9th and 10th grades are covered throughout the day, thereby giving an impression that the school properly functioning. At the commencement of the 2011-2012 academic year, there were NO permanent pedagogues for the 12-grade students, and less than three pedagogues for the 11-grade students. Dr. Lopez seems to be an expert at making her school look good on paper by hiring young, well-spoken, highly educated teachers for the lower grades. This ensures that parents do not "catch on" to her tactics. I personally witnessed the 12th-grade class of the 2011-2012 school year as having no permanent teachers. The students told me they wanted to learn, that they needed structure, and that they were afraid they wouldn't be adequately prepared for college. They were correct on all accounts. If you are a parent, do not do your child a disservice by sending him or her to this school. Do not subject your child to the irrational "leadership" that Dr. Lopez infiltrates.

I have witnessed several double-classes of unattended, unsupervised 16-18 year-olds.

I am not a medical professional, so I have no proof or evidence when I make this next claim, but as a sane, well-educated, normal human being I can say with confidence that there MUST be something going on with Dr. Lopez that needs medical attention. The way she presents her emotions is not unlike that of a person with bipolar disorder, and I would be very surprised if she were not diagnosed as having said disorder. She is fierce, and emotionally abusive for the majority of the time. She does have days of acting pleasant to her employees, but they are rare. For the majority of the academic year, Dr. Lopez instills fear in her employees by yelling at her teachers in front of the students, thereby diminishing their authority in the classroom and fostering an attitude of chaos within the student body.

The bottom line is this: the teachers at this school are, for the most part, hardworking, good people. The main problems are as follows:

1.) Dr. Lopez is emotionally and abusive to her teachers, which encourages them to leave the school (even though they care about the students very much.)

2.) The students are negatively impacted by their teachers leaving because they do not have consistency, and are unable to depend on anything other than Dr. Lopez's irrational and cruel behavior.

3.) The tone and feeling that one senses in the halls of this school is not positive. It is actually quite negative. This energy is not good for the kids.

4.) I believe that if you are a teacher looking to be hired, you will regret working at this school.

5.) I believe that if you are a parent looking to send your child to a good school, this is NOT the place to do it.

Anonymous said...

This school is everything and more horrible than what has been stated. DO NOT send your child here!! They will receive a better education in a public school!!

Anonymous said...

In my years of attending the International leadership Charter High School I have discovered that it isn't what it portrays. The high school that primarily focused on their concerns, care and goals of their students now corrupts our potential by intruding our decisions.Our right to self expression is already been denied, wearing the clothing of our choice isn't an option and as we try to proceed with our education we find ourselves postponing it to change into the"right pair of shoes". A school that values more than just appearances would put off sillyness and worry about what really matters. We need more than just the "right look". A gym, a lunchroom, an auditurium and some windows would suit us well and shortening the unnecessary hours that only aggravate us as we sit in the somnolent classes doing nothing would be a wiser use of time. Our days that last from 8:15 to 4:45 only cause provocative behavior among the students. The stress and lack of actual walls in some rooms were classes have to share classrooms cause students to assail on each other as they both intend to learn. In my years in this school i have seen teachers cry, complain about the principle and the way they are treated and some even tell us they won't be coming back because they just won't put up with the treatment. I once had three teachers in one year for the same subject and i can simply say that that i can't wait to graduate the misery out me .

Unknown said...

I would like to respond to all those false accusation regarding ILCHS . My daughter graduated from the International Leadership Charter High school, and I only have positive remark of this institution . The reality is that ILCHS is an excellent school where our children receive discipline and a great education at the same time . Students that comes from others schools where they can do whatever they wants may find this school different and rigorous . The school operates in a private facility there are no Gym but the parents who registered their children they are fully aware of that and agrees with the school mission , because they can find in others places to physical activities , but not the excellent education and a safe environment that ILCHS provide to students and families .My daughter graduated on time , she was accepted in a four year college with scholarship , she get into advance classes because the high score that she gots on her test . I hope that more parent takes the time to write their children's good experiences at ILCHS .

Anonymous said...

This school is putting my girlfriend's, and her classmate's future in jeopardy ! Only allowing student to take 2nd SAT, not giving them a chance in the 11th grade, also no chance to retake! Also! they didn't even prepare them for the SAT either, in 11th grade. Not to mention the 11th grade is the most VITAL year of high school!

This school needs some ball And chain action and be replaced with Mc'donalds, something more valuable!!!

Anonymous said...

This is a Public Service Announcement. All of the teachers have left because of the tyrant CEO also known as Dr. Lopez. I don't know what the so called top ranking charter school of the Bronx will do. The scrutiny and violation of employees rights continue to get violated on a daily basis. Reports have been made to parents and the media. Stay tuned.

Anonymous said...

Another public announcement, ILCHS is offering PSAT classes to 11 th grade students and ACT classes to 12th grade student! Congratulation ILCHS !!!!!

Anonymous said...

To the person above me,  I hope the media has been contacted. This school is terrible, before going to this school to work I would have never thought there were any like it.  I also would have never believed there were people so selfish and  cold hearted as Dr. Lopez.  It scares me to know people like her are in charge of our children's education. As for teachers leaving,  I am so happy they were able to leave,  the mental and verbal abuse they dealt with was too much.  Some of those gone had been there for 6 years! I truly pity the one's who had no choice but to stay. As for the education in this school, it is piss poor. It would be a surprise if those who graduated stay in college more than a year.  How is it that 12 th graders do not know how to write a simple essay? Nor did they know simple math.? Most of the students who are A or B students are really C or D students. It is sad that these students were not given the opportunity to reach their potential. Also,  the practice of only letting students who do well on their mock Regents is ILLEGAL.  Other schools have gotten in trouble for it.  It was surprising to see all the seniors graduate when half of them still needed to take a Regents. When it comes to special education, this school is terrible at helping them.  The person in charge had no idea on how to help them and is over burdened with other work. They expect teachers with no training in special Ed to know what to do. Most schools hire paraprofessionals who are trained to help these students.  Instead they pressure teachers to pass them.  In fact they pressure teachers to just pass all their students with a 70. If your child recieves a 70, their true grade is more than likely lower than that.  To Maria Santos, you are definitely not a real parent and I'll pray for you for the lies you write. Sadly Dr.  Lopez preys on an impoverished neighborhood,  where most parents have English as their second language.  If she pulled this in the suburbs,  she would have been shut down immediately. Number one school, what a joke!

Anonymous said...

Oh and as for the comment on student work being interrupted for their clothing, it is absolutely true. I have witnessed and have had some of my own students miss or be late to class for their shoes. One day, out of the blue the school, with out notifying teachers cracked down on students' pants! What a waste of time. So many students either were late or missed class. Some sent home! I could have sworn receiving an education was more important than pants! There is really so many things this school does that should be reason for them to be shut down. As I said before, number one my a$&

Anonymous said...

I have to say I agree with all the criticisms of this school. The students are treated like prisoners and I'm amazed that they don't rebel. The teachers are kept out of the loop and are constantly being berated for one reason or another. It's a horrible place to be whether you're a student or a teacher.

Anonymous said...

the comment about PSAT classes offered and congratulating them is because there were no English teachers for the 11th graders for a long time as a parent complaints were made, went to meeting were questions were shut down none of the pressing issues were addressed and instead cover with some bogus workshop. in the parent teacher conference it was OBVIOUS there are still no real teachers for the 12th grade students. Its all outrages. CAN ALL this information be printed and sent to the media ..

Anonymous said...

This school is ridiculous, I'm a sophomore in this school and it's unfair what we go through. From 8 to 4:30 it's strictly work and about 25 minutes of lunch. There's no physical activity class. And the restrictions are incredible. Dr.Lopez only talks to us, selfishly, about how She will not let us take regents. It is of course the students choice to take the Regents not hers. Students aren't as well allowed to retake Regents if failed, they need to wait till senior year where everything of this subject is forgotten. We are deprived of freedom in our one free period that which I mentioned before is 25 minutes. It's ridiculous and should be brought to the media. Even though this was published in 2007 it's still going on now.

Anonymous said...

I must say this is a lot. I recently interviewed for a position. And now that I am doing some research on the school it doesn't look good. Though I do not believe everything I read. I do believe something is going on there. Something isn't right. It was interesting to see that students are in class all day from 8-4:40 will a little lunch break, no physical activity. leaves me to question do I want to work for such a place.

Anonymous said...

To all the students comments: Blame your parents for sending you there and KEEPING you there. If you do not like it, transfer schools.

This is what the schools need DISCIPLINE. You want physical education then when you get home and finish your homework go for a JOG! I am glad that she yells at students for bad posture, not standing straight in line, having book bags sloppy on the floor and sagging pants. Your PARENTS OBVIOUSLY are NOT DOING IT.

You come to school to LEARN not to play and run around.

Dr. Lopez is a NO TOLERENCE principle. I am glad she is around maybe it is YOUR children that need to get It together and stop being babies. This is high school and it is preparing you for colleg and REAL life! Be thankful.

As for all her illegal accusations post PROOF!

Anonymous said...

To all the students comments: Blame your parents for sending you there and KEEPING you there. If you do not like it, transfer schools.

This is what the schools need DISCIPLINE. You want physical education then when you get home and finish your homework go for a JOG! I am glad that she yells at students for bad posture, not standing straight in line, having book bags sloppy on the floor and sagging pants. Your PARENTS OBVIOUSLY are NOT DOING IT.

You come to school to LEARN not to play and run around.

Dr. Lopez is a NO TOLERENCE principle. I am glad she is around maybe it is YOUR children that need to get It together and stop being babies. This is high school and it is preparing you for colleg and REAL life! Be thankful.

As for all her illegal accusations post PROOF!

Anonymous said...

I, as a parent does agree that Mrs. Lopez does not seem like a pleasant woman, and definitely isn't parent friendly. What I do not agree with is the comments posted because most of them are from writers who can barely write correct english grammar, makes me question on why are they commenting so negatively about the school.
I am a parent who has volunteered in the public school system for years, and what I saw there within their administration, positive comments will never flow out of me.I agree as well with one of the parents, that since my child has been at ILCS, she has learned a whole lot, and from the beginning the school's staff does make parents aware that this school is a college preparation education facility, not somewhere where your child is coming to hang out.
I also love the fact that they make it imparative to the students, that dressing up professionally is important. I surely do not want my child in a classroom with pupils who show off their underwear, and/or showing off their bra; especially when the parents agree with their style. Discipline,Discipline!!!!

Keep up the good work, Mrs. Lopez!!

Anonymous said...

2015 and this corrruption still exists

Anonymous said...

Ironically it's 2016 and she evil still running the school as horrible as ever. Teachers are still quitting, at least 2 every week. She replaced security because she thought they were being too nice to the students, she also fired a cafeteria employee and a janitor. Now, right before the holidays, teachers are getting paid their salary with checks issued from an account that was recently frozen, isn't this illegal. It's like issuing checks that you know have no funds. When is the Chartered Schools' higher archy going to put her out of business? She is a menace to society and students as well as teachers hate her. Many working need their jobs therefore, hang in there! HELP HELP HELP

Anonymous said...

ILCHS is one of the best High School in New York City. They prepare students to go a college. Students learn in a safe environment.

Anonymous said...

ILCHS is a great school !

Anonymous said...

Anyone commenting on this blog stating that the administration at ILCHS is amazing, clearly has never been here before. There is NO administration at this school; Dr. Lopez is the end all, be all. When checks bounce, it is because there is NO money in the bank, not because there is an issue with the bank. What school have you been to that does not have: A nurse, a guidance counselor, a dean, a social worker, an assistant principal, a teacher for every subject, ELL and SPED service ?????

Anonymous said...

I am a current student and ILCHS. I did not believe what people were saying about this school but they are true. Dr. Lopez is the most disrespectful person I have ever met. DO NOT SEND YOUR KID HERE!!!!!!!.

Anonymous said...

This behavior is still happening at the school. There are new teachers every month and Elaine Ruiz Lopez is still rue, disrespectful and verbally abusive. There are still issues with paychecks and students continue to lack services for special education. DR.Lopez controls every single thing and does whatever she wants even if it is illegal.People are becoming more aware of what is happening behind the doors of this school and it will come to light. This woman is a paranoid sociopath who thinks the only opinion that matters is hers. She looks absolutely foolish yelling at her staff and students and everyone just laughs at her. In the end she will have no school because she doesnt know how to treat people and has no respect for parents. Thank goodness that parents have a choice. All the good reviews are fake. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE.