Administration

Noah Cooper & Margaret Velez-Cooper

A perfect storm ignited when Noah and Margaret Cooper assumed ownership of Ivy League School. Under their leadership the school has been transformed into a Laboratory, a Mine and a Force for meeting today’s educational challenges. As a laboratory, the Coopers provide a supportive school setting which encourages experimentation and reflection on ways to improve instruction. As a mine, the Coopers view children as treasures and provide the tools and teachers needed to bring out their best talents, skills and character traits. As a force, both Noah and Margaret believe in honoring our students for what they are accomplishing now. Equally important to them is preparing students for the new demands and new realities inherent in an unpredictable future. Ivy League’s school is built on strong pillars of tradition and vision. Its owners continue to build a school of tomorrow, today. For now and for the future Ivy League will remain a caring, nurturing place which reflects a sense of community, where everyone is actively engaged in a diversity of learning experiences, where students are respected, and where there is the space and opportunity to grow and endless ways to learn.

Margaret Velez-Cooper

Margaret makes every day at Ivy League a little more exciting. Her ideas, energy and enthusiasm are infectious. Her ability to engage and inspire is unparalleled. Whether it’s founding a Middle School, turning our stage into a showcase for student talent, or introducing world languages into the curriculum, her vision and drive know no bounds. Margaret’s credentials span thirty years immersed in the art and cultural scene in New York City. These connections have opened many doors to our students including Metropolitan Opera performances, special showings at museums, and an array of visiting artists from Ballet Hispanico, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre and the Shakespeare Forum. Amid her very busy life as mother of two children, equestrian and Ivy League PTO activist, Margaret spends he time networking with national and regional organizations and institutions tracking what is new and worthwhile looming on the educational horizon.

Noah Cooper

To Noah, “nothing is more important than keeping alive the desire to learn about self, others and the world.” He believes that no one theory of educating children can encompass all the important perspectives that must be considered in our ever changing global society. Rather, he views Ivy League School as a center of inquiry where he is always accessible to faculty, parents and staff and where basic questions such as “how can we do it better?” are always welcomed. Because of his advocacy for educational diversity, deep involvement in cause oriented organizations and support of area businesses, Noah is recognized as a leader in the Suffolk County community. As a strong advocate for the environment, he has developed a campus wide culture where Ivy League’s natural resources are maintained for ecological purposes and its recreational facilities are constantly being enhanced. His endless efforts have resulted in a safe haven for outdoor education, recreation and community events.

Ismael Colón - Principal

Ismael (Izzy) Colón has been in the field of education for over 27 years serving as an advocate for high quality education for all students. He recently served as the Director of the International Leadership Charter High School (ILCHS) which is one of the highest performing high schools in NYC. Prior to working at ILCHS, he was the Executive Director/principal of the Future Leaders Institute, a K-8 independent charter school in Harlem. While at FLI, he led a successful turnaround of the school, moving it from one of the lowest performing schools in NYC to eventually receiving an A- rating in the NYCDOE. Because of this achievement, he was recognized by EL Diario, one of the largest Spanish language publication in the United States as an Outstanding Male of 2014. Izzy has also served as the Director of School Leadership Development and Operations for the New York City Charter Center where he was in charge of supporting charter schools throughout the entire city in leadership development and operational sustainability. With over 20 years of experience in educational leadership in the State of New York, he played an integral role in supporting independent charters in all five boroughs. In addition, he created, developed, and managed the Charter Centers’ leadership programs, designed to increase the professional development of participants, as well as, the capacity of participating schools. Izzy began his career as a musician and middle school teacher in the Copiague Public Schools. He received his B.A. in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia and obtained his M.A. in Educational Administration from Long Island University, C.W. Post.

Our Faculty

Ivy League employs highly experienced personnel who are qualified to teach in their respective fields. Throughout the year, faculty is offered opportunities to learn about innovations in teaching and learning. They attend conferences and seminars, participate in staff development at Ivy League or learn on their own through self study. A high degree of mutual respect, openness and sharing exists among faculty, enabling new programs and good ideas to be quickly disseminated throughout the school. In addition, classroom aides are trained to work with students individually and in small groups.

Additionally, in order to provide only the very best of educational experiences for Ivy League students, we have professionals in the fields of art, music and languages who join our staff on a weekly basis, bringing their special expertise and love of their discipline into every lesson they teach.