The Bronx School of Young Leaders

The Bronx School for Young leaders offers students a lot of extra academic? support during the school week and on Saturdays thanks to partnerships with several organizations. Student attendance is very strong and there’s a nice range of arts and extra-curricular activities including a choir and a mock trial team.

After struggling for years with low performance, Young leaders is gaining momentum. Student attendance exceeds the citywide average and enrollment has increased.

The school was founded in 2004 when the middle school grades of PS 306 were phased out. Serapha Cruz, the school’s principal since 2008, is well-regarded by teachers based on their responses to the annual NYC School Survey.

In its most recent Quality Review, Young Leaders got high marks for its positive learning environment and its curriculum. In particular, teachers do a good job creating lessons that cater to diverse learners. For instance, in math, teachers work with students in small groups, tailoring instruction to their skill levels. In English, too, they make sure students have access to texts that match their reading levels.

Fordham University supports the school in a range of activities that get students into a college and career mindset such as trips to high schools and colleges as well as events including a career night, according the school’s annual Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP). Student teachers from Fordham work in classrooms alongside experienced teachers, which helps students get more attention and helps the school recruit “incredible teachers,” according to the CEP.

Teachers also work with coaches from Fordham and CUNY to support the many students learning English.

Some challenges persist, in particular bolstering achievement, especially for students who are learning English or receive special education services. Towards that end, teachers and staff are placing an emphasis on developing social-emotional and study skills that may help students succeed in high school, according to the CEP. Some 8th-graders take Living Environment, a high school level science course.

While teachers overwhelmingly recommend the school to prospective families, some students say teens don’t always treat each other with respect, school surveys show.

There are a range of courses and activities—some during the school day and some after school—such as team sports, creative writing, music, visual art, dance theater, choir and a Mock Trial team.  The school offers academic support after school and on Saturdays.

ADMISSIONS: Young Leaders typically has space for students living in its zone as well as from across District 10.  (Laura Zingmond, web reports, August 2019; photo from school's website)