The Academy for Personal Leadership and Excellence, slated to open in September, 2010 will be replacing MS 399, which will close in June, 2011.  For its inaugural year, the school will open with a 6th and 7th grade and offer grades 6 - 8 beginning September, 2011.

Founding principal, Angelo Ledda developed the new school while serving as principal for MS 399.  Ledda arrived at MS 399 in 2007, a year before the Department of Education announced its phase-out, but long after the school had developed a poor record of achievement.  "When the phase-out was announced, [MS 399] had a very active student council," Ledda said explaining his chosen themes of personal leadership and excellence.  "That was a success and I wanted to bring that to the new school." In addition to the student council, students will fulfill community service requirements each year.  Starting in the 7th grade, students will study Spanish.  In 8th grade they'll take Regents courses in algebra and earth science.  Electives in art are also in the works.

The school will share space with the East Fordham Academy for the Arts and MS 399 (in its last year). The building boasts a renovated swimming pool and a fitness center equipped with treadmills and exercise bicycles.  Ledda told Insideschools that he'd like to schedule students to spend one gym class per week in the fitness room.  Long term goals include hiring staff certified in water safety and instruction to offer swim instruction to students during the school day.

Special Education:  According to Ledda, the school will serve students with special needs, but decisions regarding the class settings offered will be made after the initial enrollment process is completed.  .

Admissions:  Priority to students zoned for the MS 399 building.  (Laura Zingmond, telephone interview, March 2010)