World Journalism Preparatory: A College Board School

At World Journalism Preparatory School, which serves grades 6 to 12, newspaper editing, video reporting and website development are all integrated into the curriculum, especially in high school.

Instruction in all grades emphasizes research, writing and projects, which are detailed in monthly family newletters. For example, 8th-graders produce a muckraker-style investigative report as part of their study of social problems in the early 20th century. In algebra 2, high school students study how trigonometric functions are used in the processes of active and passive solar building design.

In middle school, there’s less emphasis on journalism and no electives. Students study core subjects and technology, dance and art. Eighth-graders study algebra, which is taught in a double-period class each day.

In high school, students take courses in journalism and create mock news reports in the school's film studio. The school website showcases a range of student work, from videos on the WJPS Broadcast News Channel to articles in both digital and print newspapers.

High school students interested in science may apply for the Franklin Center program, which includes advanced coursework and research opportunities with professionals. All students may earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement classes or courses at Queens College or Queensborough Community College.

Spanish instruction begins in 8th grade.

Dr. Janine Polla Werner became principal in 2017. A former special education and high school English teacher, Werner left her longtime role as assistant principal of Queens High School of Teaching to take the top spot at World Journalism.

Students are required to wear the school uniform of a collared shirt with the school emblem and pants other than jeans. There is also a school blazer, which students wear on trips and for special events.

Middle school students may participate in Model UN, intramural sports, and a range of clubs and activities. High school students also have clubs and may participate in PSAL teams at Francis Lewis High School.

World Journalism shares a large building with IS 25 and students from PS Q233, a small, multisite program for students with severe disabilities. The school is not located near any subway lines, but it is two blocks from the Auburndale LIRR station and near bus stops.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: The school offers SETSS and ICT (integrated collaborative teaching).

ADMISSIONS: The middle school limits admission to students from District 25. For high school, priority goes to ongoing 8th-graders. (Laura Zingmond, interview and web reports, February 2018)