Frederick Douglass Academy is that New York rarity: a public school where some of the city's most disadvantaged students receive a fine education. Images of Frederick Douglass, painted by students, permeate every floor a constant reminder to students that their opportunity came from the accomplishments of their ancestors. It is a traditional school requiring uniforms, and its strict approach to discipline may not suit every parent's taste. At the same time, the school sees the vast majority of its graduates off to college, including Ivy League universities where most kids earn scholarships. The school, known as FDA, has been so successful that it has spawned a number of copycat Frederick Douglass Academies in the city.

I THINK THAT FDA HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL, BUT WHEN SCREENING KIDS FOR THIS SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM STUDENTS SHOULD NOT B EADMITTED. DE HODGE HAS A TERRIBLE ATTITUDE & SOME OF THE STAFF.... read more

This school is great on paper it really is, but lately its been going down hill.The staff (as in teachers and others) cant really control the students. Whats more is that students skip class... read more

Recently, my family attended the Bourough-wide fair for Manhattan and came to the table for FDA. I had been undecided about the school in light of the comments posted by parents and students... read more