Summer Schneider, a dedicated educator, founded Legacy College Prep to provide students in the Bronx with a rigorous academic experience and a supportive community. With years of experience in education, Summer has implemented innovative programs and initiatives to prepare students for college and beyond. Her commitment to equity and excellence has made Legacy College Prep a model for educational success.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I’m Summer Schneider, Founder and Executive Director of Legacy College Prep Charter School in the Bronx, New York, which was founded in 2017.

I have 15 years of diverse experience in the traditional education system. I hold degrees in BS in Business Economics and Business Administration and MA in Secondary Mathematics Instruction. My working experiences span in both traditional public schools and charter schools, where I served multiple roles such as as a teacher, an instructional coach, a principal, a superintendent, and an adjunct professor.

I’ve also trained teachers for organizations such as Teach for America and Relay Graduate School of Education.

What inspired you to start your business? 

Legacy College Prep stemmed from my observations and experiences in the current education system, both traditional and within some charter networks, which often fails to adequately prepare students for college.

I witnessed firsthand how many students arrived in 9th grade lacking the foundational skills and mindset necessary for success. This experience solidified my conviction that starting college preparation earlier, specifically in 6th grade, could significantly impact student outcomes. 

Moreso, I wanted to create a school that not only prioritizes student success but also fosters a sustainable and supportive environment for teachers. By taking action about the teacher shortage and retaining high-quality educators, we can ensure that every student has access to excellent instruction and guidance on their educational journey

Where is your business based?

Legacy College Prep is based in Bronx, New York.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Putting together the charter school was a labor of love. After identifying the critical needs of the students and teachers in the community, I envisioned a school that would be academically rigorous, focus on college and career readiness, and foster a strong sense of community and belonging. 

This involved writing a charter application, securing funding from various sources, building a strong board of directors, and recruiting a talented team of educators. We meticulously developed a challenging yet supportive curriculum and finally, in 2017, we opened our doors. Since then, it has been incredibly rewarding to see our students thrive and achieve their dreams of higher education.  

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

The most effective way of raising awareness for Legacy College Prep has been through fostering strong relationships within our community. By actively engaging with families, local organizations, and neighboring schools, we have built a network of trust and collaboration that highlights the value and impact of our mission. These meaningful connections not only help us attract more families and students but also ensure that Legacy College Prep remains deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of the community we serve.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

First, like many schools, is the ongoing teacher shortage. Attracting and retaining high-quality educators is crucial, but it's incredibly difficult in today's climate. To combat this, we've implemented strategies like competitive compensation packages, flexible schedules, and professional development opportunities to make teaching at Legacy Prep a rewarding and sustainable career. 

Second, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. Navigating remote learning, addressing the social-emotional impact on our students, and helping them re-adjust to in-person learning required immense flexibility and creativity. We invested heavily in student support, including extra tutoring, smaller class sizes, and re-engaging families in their child's education. 

Finally, securing and managing funding is an ongoing challenge. We constantly strive to find innovative ways to maximize our resources while ensuring we can offer competitive salaries and provide our students with the best possible education. This requires careful budgeting, exploring grant opportunities, and building strong partnerships with our community. 

How do you stay focused?

Staying focused requires a combination of organization and intentional prioritization. I ensure that my daily schedule aligns with the overarching goals for the week by clearly identifying top priorities and structuring my calendar around them. Every moment is accounted for to maximize productivity. As a mother, I’m also intentional about maintaining boundaries. When I’m at home, my focus shifts to being fully present for my family. This balance allows me to give my best both at work and at home.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

What sets us apart from other schools is our unique focus on early and consistent college exposure. We begin introducing students to the college experience as early as 6th grade, fostering a college-going mindset from the very beginning. This, combined with our intensive college counseling and ongoing support for our alumni, ensures that our students are well-prepared for the challenges of higher education. 

Apart from that, we prioritize the well-being of our teachers, recognizing that their success is directly linked to student success. We offer competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and a supportive work environment to attract and retain top talent. By investing in our teachers, we can ensure that every student receives high-quality instruction and guidance. 

We also emphasize the importance of social-emotional learning and character development, cultivating well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed not only academically, but also personally and professionally.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

Our most effective marketing strategy has been the power of word-of-mouth referrals from families. When families share their positive experiences with others in the community, it creates a genuine and trusted endorsement of what Legacy College Prep offers. These personal testimonials have been instrumental in building our reputation and attracting more students to our school.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

My best advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs is to embrace the discomfort that comes with stepping into the unknown. When I started Legacy College Prep, every day presented new challenges and opportunities to learn. It’s essential to develop resilience and the ability to navigate difficult moments with determination and focus. Growth, both personal and professional, is a continuous process. And it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of entrepreneurship

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

One of my favorite books is The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller. It’s an inspiring resource that focuses on how to ignite a love of reading in students, which is such a vital part of our mission at Legacy College Prep. Reading is foundational to student success, yet I often hear from teachers and parents that many children struggle to enjoy it. This book has profoundly shaped how I approach literacy by emphasizing the importance of finding the right book for each student and creating a culture where reading is both accessible and enjoyable. It aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering a lifelong love of learning in every student.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Google Suite is an indispensable tool for our work at Legacy College Prep. From Docs and Sheets to email and shared calendars, it streamlines communication and keeps us organized. In education, collaboration is key, and Google Suite allows our team to share information and work together in real time, ensuring that everyone—teachers, staff, scholars, and families—stays aligned. Its user-friendly interface and efficiency make it a vital resource for managing the many moving parts of running a school.

Who is your business role model? Why? 

While I don’t have one specific business role model, I draw inspiration from numerous incredible women and school leaders. During my training before founding Legacy, I had the privilege of working with a school leader who had a profound impact on how I approach school management and time leadership. 

Additionally, reading The Together Leader and participating in the Building Excellence Scholarship program, where I was mentored by two exceptional individuals, greatly expanded my understanding of leadership and what it means to truly embody the values of an organization. These experiences have shaped the way I lead and continue to inspire my work today.

How do you balance work and life? 

Balancing work and life is a continuous challenge, particularly while running Legacy College Prep. I prioritize staying organized and managing my time effectively, which is essential given how full my schedule can be, often extending into the evening. While it can be difficult to find time for myself and my family, I make it a point to focus on what truly matters and ensure that my time is spent intentionally.

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

One of my favorite ways to decompress is by reading. It allows me to unwind and shift my focus, offering both relaxation and a chance to expand my perspective. I also enjoy doing the New York Times crossword puzzles, which provide a great mental challenge and a refreshing break from the demands of the day.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

The next six months will be an exciting and busy time as we’re expecting a baby girl. My focus will be on adjusting to the new dynamics of our family, navigating sleepless nights and the joys of newborn care. Once she’s a bit older, we’re looking forward to taking a family vacation to recharge and make lasting memories together.

How can our readers connect with you?

You may reach out in any of these channels:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacycollegeprep/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacycollegeprepcharterschool/

• Email: info@legacycollegeprep.org

• Phone: (347) 746-1558