Scholars' Academy
Coordinates: 40°35′03″N 73°49′31″W / 40.5842°N 73.82535°W
Scholars' Academy is a middle school and a high school (grades 9-12) for gifted and talented children. The school is located in Rockaway Park. The school's address is 320 Beach 104th street, Rockaway Park.
Each month, each teacher from each class chooses a student to be the "Outstanding Scholar Of The Month". There is an Outstanding Scholar ceremony.
From a pilot program, Scholars' Academy has evolved into a co-ed grade 6-12 middle/high school. There are 8 classes in each grade containing a ratio of 1:34. Students take the Living Environment and Integrated Algebra Regents in 8th grade, and 7th graders take the 8th grade Standardized Science Exam. The high school has four classes in each grade, with an average 1:30 teacher-to-student ratio. After the 11th grade, students only take 1-2 regents exams, after which they are completed. In the 11th and 12th grade, either 1/2 or 3/4 of students' classes are Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment classes (dual enrollment provided by St. Francis College).
Scholars' Academy was one of, if not the city's hardest hit schools by Super-storm Sandy. The first floor was basically demolished, uninhabitable. Not only was it filled up by seawater from both Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, but it was also filled with toxic sewage from the sewage treatment plant located directly across the street. Students, most of which were relocated themselves, were relocated to two schools in Brownsville, Brooklyn. After the seawater was drained and the sewage was removed, several feet of sand remained. The theater and all of the first floor classrooms were completely destroyed, and the gymnasium took an unbelievable amount of damage. After donations from individuals, as well as companies and teams, the school was able to be repaired. After three and a half months of relocation, the students were permitted to return to the Scholars' Academy building. Most students returned, however, some students remained in the schools they elected to attend. While students and staff were relocated, the school saw its highest average test scores earned, an achievement that can be credited to the learning environment. Students realized that anything that is owned can be suddenly taken away, learning to appreciate anything that is owned or given to them.
To attend this school, there is an extensive application process. The process includes an application, filled out by the prospective student and their family and sent to Scholars' by their guidance counselor. Applicants either get early acceptance or an interview. After being accepted into the school, students must maintain an 85% or higher cumulative average.
Sports teams include all boys to practice . In 2010-2011 HS Girls Volleyball Team won the Volleyball Public School Athletic League Championship the second year they were in the competition. Clubs at the school include the school newspaper, The Seaside Chronicle. The newspaper started in the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. The high school has a Gay-Straight Alliance club, a film production club, and chemistry club.
Scholars' has had much success since its opening in 2006. Quality Review
- 2012-13- well developed
- 2013-14- outstanding
- 2014-15- well developed
In the middle school, students are given the opportunity to choose an elective. These electives are Band, Chess, Guitar, Magic Box, Drawing, and Publishing, Dance, Sports, Fitness, Drama, Multicultural Dance, Robotics and coding. High-school students are also given a choice of an elective, from drawing, guitar, to music of Mexico, and robotics.
Both the middle and the high school fitness programs utilize state-of-the-art electronics and physical equipment, such as iPads and an NBA-style floor.In grade 6 all students are given an individual iPad mini. In grade seven and eight they are given iPad minis and iPad 2's. All students have access to the computer cafe.Fitness units include world sports, dance, cross-fit, basketball, and iPad fitness routines. Students are separated into groups based on their strengths and weaknesses, and students are graded based on effort, rather than ability.
Scholars is a uniformed school and provide MTA cards and school bus services. Based on student surveys almost 90% of the students feel safe in the hallways. They earn an A rating and are one of the best schools in district 27.
The Principal is Brian O'Connell, one of the key factors of the success of the school. Teachers in this school are among the shortest in the city, however they are all dedicated to their students' success, rather than their own career-driven promotions.
Alumni
Liani Astacio Writer, poet, activist; Ryan Ramsammy Serial killer; Sarah Hoxha Scrub;