Family Man Diddy Opens New Charter School in Harlem, Celebrates With Students

Diddy’s brand new charter school is officially open for business!

The NYC media mogul was greeted with smiles and cheers by dozens of excited students as he arrived at the new Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School on Monday to kick off opening day with a bang. 

Diddy co-founded the school in his old Harlem neighborhood and he says he’s glad to be able to provide educational opportunities to kids who are just like he was at their age. 

“Great schools and great education make a big difference,” he told the crowd. “Unfortunately, too many people don’t get the opportunity to succeed, no matter how hard they try. This is leveling the playing field here at Capital Prep.”

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The proud father of six took to his Instagram page on Tuesday morning to share photos and footage of the opening day celebration. “We’re empowering our inner city youth with the knowledge they need to be great,” he wrote. 

My mother taught me the importance of education at an early age. I was able to gain tools, secrets and knowledge about what it takes to be a leader, what it takes to win and what it takes to make your dreams come true!! That's what we're doing with #CapitalPrepHarlem!! We're empowering our inner city youth with the knowledge they need to be great!!

A photo posted by PUFF DADDY (@iamdiddy) on Aug 30, 2016 at 5:34am PDT

When I looked at the faces of my kids at #HarlemCapitalPrep I saw myself! My dream is to provide our inner city youth a equal playing field and build the future leaders of our community!! #DreamBIG #LetsGO

A video posted by PUFF DADDY (@iamdiddy) on Aug 30, 2016 at 8:46am PDT

Connecticut educator Dr. Steve Perry is also a co-founder of the school, which admitted a total of 176 sixth and seventh graders for its inaugural semester. School officials confirmed that Diddy and Dr. Perry expect for Capital Prep to enroll around 700 students in grades 6-12 by the year 2021.