As United Charter High Schools continues its journey of educational excellence across New York City, we sat down with CEO Dr. Curtis Palmore to discuss his vision for the network. With over 30 years in education—from classroom teacher to system-level leader—Dr. Palmore brings insights, experience and passion to his role. In this conversation, he shares his leadership philosophy, reflects on UCHS’s inaugural year, and reveals what drives him to create lasting impact for students across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Tell us a bit about your professional background and how it led to your role at UCHS.
I began my career as a classroom teacher with Teach for America in 1995, which grounded me in the day-to-day realities of teaching and learning and deepened my commitment to students. From there, I served as an assistant principal and then principal, experiences that helped me understand school leadership, team development, and the importance of creating strong cultures for both students and staff. Over time, I expanded my work into system-level leadership, serving as a charter CEO and working within both traditional public and charter school settings. Each of these experiences has shaped how I lead today at UCHS—bringing a balanced perspective that values classroom instruction, school leadership, and network-wide strategy in service of student success.
How does UCHS’s mission and vision align with your personal values and goals?
UCHS’s mission and vision resonate deeply with me because I know firsthand the power of a quality education to transform lives. Access to strong schools opened doors for me to attend top colleges, expand my opportunities, and grow into a productive citizen. I want our students to experience that same sense of possibility and to leave UCHS prepared to thrive in college, career, and life.
Please share a favorite memory of your work at UCHS.
There have been many memorable moments at UCHS, but the ones that stand out most are during my school walkthroughs, when I get to see our amazing teachers in action. I love witnessing transformative teaching firsthand. This year, I was particularly in awe of how so many teachers used their instructional expertise, patience, and genuine care for students to help them make meaningful progress.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader?
A great leader is visionary, able to engage and inspire people to work toward a shared vision, while also being a great listener who responds to the needs of their community. They build trust through transparency and integrity, empower others to take ownership of their work, and adapt thoughtfully to challenges while keeping the focus on long-term goals. Ultimately, a great leader creates an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and capable of achieving excellence together.
What are you most proud of at UCHS?
I am most proud of the collective work our teams accomplished during UCHS’s inaugural year. Importantly, the majority of this work was not directed top-down, but emerged from our network inquiry teams made up of teachers, school leaders, and central office staff. Together, we developed a comprehensive Portrait of a Graduate, created thoughtful playbooks for instructional practices including the use of AI and strategies to strengthen student discourse—and established school and network budgets alongside recruitment strategies that will sustain UCHS’s future growth. This collaborative approach reflects the strength of our community and lays a strong foundation for the years ahead.
What is inspiring you lately?
What inspires me right now is the opportunity to build a lasting legacy through education. Entering my 31st year in the field this September, I’ve been reflecting on how each season of my career has been about laying the foundation for something greater. I find deep fulfillment in contributing to the growth of our schools, our students, and our educators, knowing the impact will extend beyond my time and continue to open doors for generations to come.
Tell us a little about Dr. Palmore outside of work. What do you love to do in your free time?
Outside of work, I’m an avid basketball player, I still get on the court at least once a week and I make time to work out regularly. I also love coaching my kids’ teams, especially baseball and basketball, which has become one of my favorite ways to stay connected with them. As I often remind myself and my players, “Sports don’t build character, they reveal it.”
We are grateful for Dr. Palmore’s innovative approach that positions UCHS to continue opening doors of opportunity for generations of New York City students. From the basketball court to the boardroom, Dr. Palmore demonstrates that great leadership is about building legacies that extend far beyond individual achievements. Under his guidance, United Charter High School proves that with vision, dedication, and community support, exceptional education truly can be accessible to all.
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools (formerly New Visions) is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at www.unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is open now.
