Here at Frederick Douglass Academy, a legacy of learning thrives. This co-educational public school serves grades 6-12 in West Harlem. It stands as one of Harlem’s first public schools to require uniforms.
Frederick Douglass Academy opened its doors in 1991. Lorraine Monroe, a former Deputy Chancellor of Instruction, founded the school. She aimed to create a college preparatory environment focused on achievement.
The Academy’s motto is “Without Struggle, There Is No Progress.” This reflects its commitment to academic rigor. Frederick Douglass Academy offers an SAT prep course. Advanced Placement courses are available to students starting in 10th grade.
Advanced Placement courses are a significant feature here at Frederick Douglass Academy. Students can earn college credit in subjects like Psychology and Biology. Calculus AB, Chemistry, and English Language are also offered. Other options include English Literature, European History, and French and Spanish. Students can also study Microeconomics, Physics, Statistics, U.S. History, Government, and Politics.
Frederick Douglass Academy achieved a 94% graduation rate. This earned it an “A” rating for College and Career Readiness in 2012-2013. The Daily News recognized it as a “top high school” that same year.
Beyond academics, Frederick Douglass Academy provides diverse extracurriculars. Students can join the Anime club or Chess club. The History club and Yearbook committee are also popular. Buildon focuses on community service and building schools abroad. Robotics is another exciting option. The school’s FIRST Robotics Competition team even finished in second place in 2005.
In 2006, students launched The North Star school newspaper. It’s named after Frederick Douglass’s own newspaper.
Varsity sports are an integral part of Frederick Douglass Academy. Options include football, baseball, basketball, and indoor track. Lacrosse, outdoor track, soccer, softball, and tennis are also available. Students can participate in Taekwondo and fencing.
Frederick Douglass Academy maintains partnerships with various organizations. HBO offers a mentoring program. Gap supports the school store, “The Little Shop of Scholars.” Proceeds from the store fund scholarships. The Harlem Children Society partners the Academy with Memorial Sloan-Kettering. This provides research opportunities for students interested in science and medicine.
Columbia University provides SAT-prep courses. The New York Times offers a scholarship for outstanding scholarly articles. Sullivan & Cromwell donates Advanced Placement textbooks. Futures and Options offers paid internships.
Based on the success of Frederick Douglass Academy, New York City created seven other Frederick Douglass Academies. They are located throughout the city’s boroughs.
Principal Ayisha Fullerton leads Frederick Douglass Academy today. The school shares its building with other schools. Free breakfast, lunch, and after-school meals are available for all students.
Frederick Douglass Academy strives to offer students a well-rounded education. It combines rigorous academics with extracurricular activities. The school’s partnerships provide valuable real-world experiences. It’s a place where students can strive for progress.