Frederick Douglass Academy VI High School

Modeled on the originaI Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem, FDA VI is dedicated to preparing children from poor neighborhoods for higher education. However, FDA VI has fallen short of its goals.

Graduation rates are low and only about one in 10 students leaves the school ready for college. Responding to a Department of Education survey, both students and teachers saw major shortcomings in the quality of classes. Unlike the original FDA, FDA VI does not screen students for grades. 

The school scores low on most indicators, particularly family-community ties and trust. A significant number of students say they do not feel safe in the school and many teachers see the school as disorderly and undisciplined. Teachers give low marks to principal Charles Ogandimu, previously principal of the Monroe Academy for Business and Law, which closed in 2011.

FDA VI is on the campus of the former Far Rockaway Educational Campus, which it shares with three other schools. Students must pass through metal detectors.

Special education: FDA VI has particularly low graduation rates for students with disabilities and English language learners.

Admissions: Priority to Queens residents but all New York City residents may apply. The school does not fill all seats and admits a small number of incoming 10th graders. (Gail Robinson, from DOE materials, December 2018)