Fordham Leadership Academy

One of six small schools in the Theodore Roosevelt Educational Complex, Fordham Leadership Academy is a small school with extra support for students, including an expanded school day, daily assistance with college applications (in the upper grades) and extra art.

Fordham has shown steady improvement since 2015, the year Fiorella Cabrejos took the helm, after the school closed and re-opened with mostly new staff. Under her leadership, the four-year graduation continues to rise. Attendance is above the citywide average. More graduates are ready for college-level work. 

As a “renewal” school, Fordham receives extra resources to improve. Staff members include social workers, guidance counselors and a full-time substance abuse prevention intervention specialist, in addition to social work interns.

The art program has expanded under the leadership of art educator Larry Minetti, who taught at Christopher Columbus for 16 years, according to a story in Bronx News12. The story highlighted the new murals on the walls and the role of art in helping students believe in themselves and express themselves. 

Eleventh and 12th graders receive daily coaching on the college application process through the school’s partner, NYC College Advising Corp.  All students must participate in at least 200 community service hours. Some do internships, like one student who worked in a medical office, which led her to want to pursue medicine in college, according to the CEP (comprehensive educational plan). The school hosts college trips and career days. 

Although most students say they feel safe in school, some students and teachers complain about discipline and order on school surveys. The school trains students to mentor their peers, as a way to teach students to be responsible role models, according to the CEP.

Parents are welcome. They are invited to workshops, classes and breakfast with the principal every month. They may drop in anytime, even without an appointment.

The school shares two swimming pools, a weight room, a cardio room, and a shiny gym with an elevated track with other schools in the building. All students must pass through metal detectors. 

Admissions: Educational option. The school seeks a range of academic abilities. (Lydie Raschka, DOE data and reports, November 2018)