SGT. WILLIAM CARNEY MEMORIAL ACADEMY Elementary School

• Mission Statement:
  At Carney Academy, our mission is to work together to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where every student is challenged with academic rigor and supported through trust and belief in their potential. We view all students as intellectuals and individuals of strong character, and we are committed to helping them grow in every aspect of their development. 
• Vision Statement:
  Our vision is to cultivate a learning community that excites and inspires all stakeholders-students, families, and staff-to be engaged and proud participants. We aim to nurture students academically, socially, and emotionally as they grow and blossom into confident, capable individuals.
• Schools Beliefs:
  At Carney Academy, we are guided by a shared commitment to the following core values:
  Inclusivity-We believe every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Our school community welcomes and respects all backgrounds, cultures, identities, and perspectives.
  Academic Excellence-We believe all students can achieve high standards when challenged, supported, and inspired. We promote a rigorous academic environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning.
  Growth & Resilience-We believe mistakes are opportunities to learn. We encourage students to embrace challenges, reflect on their progress, and strive for continual growth, both academically and personally. 
  Community & Collaboration-We believe that learning is a shared journey. Strong partnerships among students, families, staff, and the wider community help us to all grow and succeed together.

SCHOOL’S HISTORY

The Sgt. William H. Carney Memorial Academy, which opened its doors in 1977, is named after New Bedford native William H. Carney.  In 1863, Carney entered the army and was assigned to Company C of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first regiment composed of black men in the state.  During the battle at Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863, Color-Sergeant William H. Carney performed one of the most heroic deeds of the Civil War - earning him the Congressional Medal of Honor for most distinguished gallantry in action. 

The Carney Academy, a Kindergarten through Grade 5 elementary school serving a diverse population of approximately 656 students, was founded in 1977 as a magnet school with the goal of racially balancing the neighborhood.  The focus of the magnet school has changed over the years from a theme of communications to our present theme of reaching extraordinary abilities in children through advanced means of teaching and learning.  The staff at Carney works collaboratively to create a positive and nurturing environment dedicated to maximizing each student’s growth and potential.