Our Insights
What’s Special
Instrumental music, computer science, law enforcement
The Downside
Many graduates need extra help in college
The East Williamsburg Scholars Academy is a small high school where students can play in a band (concert, jazz, marching), or study computer science or law enforcement. St. Nick’s Alliance, a community organization has a important presence in the school, providing academic support and social services to students. Academically the school has a way to go, but it is moving in the right direction. After a period of decline, enrollment is rising again. The four-year graduation rate is inching up. However, most graduates need to take remedial courses in college to catch up.
Academics & Instruction: Students often work in small groups on hands-on projects and tasks as the teacher circulates to provide support. The school serves many students learning English. Teachers increasingly focus on literacy skills like how to decode words, build vocabulary, and read fluently. Students who struggle may attend after school tutoring sessions and a Saturday academy to recover credits and make up labs. The school strongly encourages students to take four years of math and science. It offers advanced courses and Advanced Placement courses.
Culture & Environment: Staff strive to incorporate and reflect students’ stories and cultures in their lessons. In our comments section, a student wrote, “As a Muslim student, I feel comfortable asking for a place to do the important religious activities I have to do.”
The restorative justice program focuses on resolving conflicts in a respectful manner. Students gather in “restorative circles” to connect with each other in a positive way, build relationships, and to better understand the consequences of their actions. In recent years, the school has increased social worker support for students (and staff), offering individual assistance as needed.
Themes & Programs: The school offers three pathways: the law enforcement program, covering criminal justice, criminology, police science, and offering internship opportunities; the instrumental music program for all skill levels; and the computer science program with a focus on coding, cyber-security, math and logic.
Special Education & English as a New Language: In many classes, a general education teacher and bilingual teacher co-teach, tailoring instruction to students’ IEPs (individual education plans). Teachers modify lesson content to ensure everyone can grasp the material.
Building & Facilities: East Williamsburg shares the Grand Street Educational Campus with Progress High School for Professional Careers and the High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology. The schools collaborate on performance groups and sports teams. Students hold mock trials and moot court in a renovated courtroom. The building has a large auditorium and five gymnasiums, a weight room, plus a field for football, baseball, softball, soccer, and more. A music wing has four classrooms for various band classes (i.e. modern, jazz, marching).
College & Career: There is a college advisor who engages in one-on-one discussions about college plans, scholarships, and financial aid. Students attend college and career fairs to meet representatives and explore options, and they visit colleges. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and responses to a questionnaire, February 2024)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Computer Science
Physics
Not offered in 2021-21Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLaw Enforcement Academy (K86A)
Program Description:
Specialized Law Enforcement Academy program. Program includes courses in criminal justice, criminology, police science, forensics, constitutional law, and family & civil law. Activities include annual moot court and mock trial competitions, internships, and community service opportunities. Partnerships include John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Fordham Law School, Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, NYC Council, U.S Probations, U.S. District Court, and many more.
Computer Forensics Program (K86B)
Program Description:
Program is a combination of law and technology sequenced courses preparing students to pursue careers in computer forensics and cyber-security. Computer forensics courses involve identifying, preserving, analyzing and presenting digital evidence and cyber-security technology include processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access. Partnerships include LIU, PACE University, Microsoft, and many more.
Instrumental Music (K86C)
Program Description:
This programs offers courses in concert bands, jazz bands, chamber groups and music history which result in a 10-credit sequence. This sequence fulfills the requirements for the Advanced Regents Diploma.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP World History: Modern, Other (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Football, Handball, Soccer, Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Handball, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Golf
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
850 Grand Street
Brooklyn
NY
11211
Trains: to Grand St
Buses: B24, B43, B60, Q54, Q59
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Grand Street Educational Campus with two other schools
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