School Profiles
Preparatory Academy for Writers
Michael Renna, Principal
143-10 Springfield Boulevard
Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
Phone: (718) 949-8405
Fax: (718) 949-8404
Accent on Achievement
The Preparatory Academy for Writers is a small school designed for students who have a lot to say, but need to communicate clearly, directly, and powerfully. Our graduates will know how to think on their feet and respond quickly both verbally and in writing to challenges and problems. Our graduates will have the vocabulary to express themselves, and be able to do so with clarity. Teenagers are already in tune with language. The Preparatory Academy for Writers will enable students to master the means of expression and gain confidence both intellectually and socially; find their own voices; and make their voices heard. Too often, teenagers' use of language is limited to repeating received wisdom and clichés. The goal of this school is to help students recognize the uniqueness of the voice that exists within them. The development of this voice involves rigorous examination of human expression in spoken and written form. A key part of this is publishing. Each year our students will publish a book in collaboration with the Student Press Initiative. The result will be a portfolio of writing unmatched by any program in New York City. The real achievement is learning the power of words and expression. Little compares to the feeling students have seeing their work professionally published and presented in permanent format. The entire learning process—conception, drafts, editing, refining, formatting, layout, production, and printing—is the mission of the Preparatory Academy for Writers.
The Circle of Family and Community
A safe, respectful, and welcoming school environment is a hallmark of the Preparatory Academy for Writers. Parents are our partners. Parents are expected to be active members of the community by attending community celebrations, academic planning conferences, and by developing a relationship with us that focuses on their children's success.
Special School Features
- Small classes in all grades, 75 students per grade
- Advisory program
- Extended day until 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday)
- Lincoln Douglass Debate Team
- Extensive intramural sports program
- Academic tutoring and homework help
- Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses
- College admissions guidance center
- RoadMap-personalized learning plans
- Community service opportunities
- Peer tutoring
- Youth leadership
Mission
The Preparatory Academy for Writers fosters the high achievement, healthy growth, and development of every member of the community. The school is uniquely structured to educate, support, and guide students from middle school through high school graduation, building bridges from the earlier grades that lead to college success.
