Ailanthus Charter School

The Ailanthus tree is a Chinese species that grows very rapidly, thrives in almost all soils and climates, resists practically all insects and diseases, and tolerates soot and pollution better than any other tree, native or foreign. The Ailanthus tree served as the main metaphor in the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and serves as the main metaphor for the aspirations we have for our students. Like the tree, the founders of Ailanthus Charter School believe that when students have an education rooted in intellectual engagement, social responsibility, self-sufficiency, and an entrepreneurial mindset they can survive in any environment.