Admissions Questions    
Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions

Q: How does the Academy select students? Q: How many spaces are there for 9th graders?
Q: Can you enter if you will be a 10th grader? Q: What does the admissions committee look for?
Q: What sports teams do you have? Q: What makes the Academy academically unique?
Q: How about computer technology? Q: Are there any advanced placement classes?
Q: What about the arts (dance, fine art, music, theatre)? Q: I've heard you go on trips.
Q: What percentage of your students go on to college and where do they go? Q: With all this hard work, is there any tutoring?
Q: Can I tour the campus? Q: Are you having an open house?


Q: How does the Academy select students?
Answer #1:  The Academy is an educational option school (program #Q71A).  As per Department of Education requirements, 16% of our acceptances are students reading above grade level, 16% are students reading below grade level, 68% are reading on grade level.  Half the students are selected by DOE lottery and half are screened by the admissions committee

Answer #2:  The screened Intensive Academic Humanities program (#Q71B) for 9th grade admissions:  The selection criteria includes English, Social Studies, Math & Science scores of 85+, Math Test Level 3 & 4, Reading Test Level 4.  Additionally, a student must have fewer than 8 absences. Top


Q: How many spaces are there for 9th graders?
A:
We accept 169 incoming freshmen.  For the current school year we had over 3000 applications. Top
Q: Can you enter if you will be a 10th grader?
A:
Sure.  Just follow the procedures outlined in the Directory of the Public High Schools.  Remember, however, that we only take 10-20 new 10th graders. Top
Q: What does the admissions committee look for?
A:
One of the first things we look for is good attendance.  We also look at the Social Studies and English grades and to see if a student has failed any other classes. Top

Q: What sports teams do you have?
A:
Currently, we have PSAL Boys & Girls Varsity Basketball, Boys & Girls Varsity Volleyball, Boys Baseball, Girls Softball, and Co-ed Bowling. Top


Q: What makes the Academy academically unique?
A:
The Academy of American Studies offers an extra class in American History for all four years that includes Law in the junior year and a Senior Thesis in the senior year.  All freshmen take an additional course in research in order to prepare for the rigorous academic atmosphere that exists in the school.  The Academy is proud of its record of scoring above the city average in our Regents statistics.. Top
Q: How about computer technology?
A:
The Academy has two networked computer labs with INTERNET access as well as two mobile wireless INTERNET labs.  Teachers of all subjects incorporate computer technology into their classes.  The labs are available for students to type papers and to do research after school daily Additionally, technology classes are available through a VTEA Grant. Top
Q: Are there any advanced placement classes?
A:
Currently, we have AP American History (a two year course), AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English, AP European History, AP Government, AP Spanish, and AP Studio Art. Top
Q: What about the arts (dance, fine art, music, theatre)?
A:
The subjects within the arts taught at the Academy are fine art and music (including chorus and piano). The Academy shares a dance class with Newcomers High School. Theatre is explored through a Playwriting Class as well as extra curricular activities. For example, the school is a member of the International Thespian Society and the troupe works closely with the New York State Theatre Education Association. An Improvisational Theatre Club meets weekly.. Top
Q: I've heard you go on trips.
A:
Learning is never limited to the classroom. With financial assistance from the Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American history we are able to take our students on a grade-wide academic trip each semester. Freshmen go on day trips to Philadelphia and Sturbridge. Sophomores explore historic lower Manhattan with a Circle Line Harbor Cruise and spend an overnight in Gettysburg. Juniors go on a cruise up the Hudson River to visit West Point, and a two night trip to Boston, Groton, Salem and Plymouth with whale watching on Cape Cod Bay. Seniors experience a 3 day-2 night trip to Washington, D.C. In this way, our students not only learn about the Constitution, they go to the room where it was written. They not only read about the Civil War, they run Pickett’s Charge. Through these hands on experiences we bring history to life.. Top
Q: What percentage of your students go on to college and where do they go?
A:
85% of the class of 2007 graduated over a four year period (September, 2003-June, 2007) with 92% earning Regents or Advanced Regents Endorsed Diplomas. 97% of the graduates are going to colleges and universities such as Binghamton, Columbia, CUNY Honors, Boston University, Brandeis, Delaware, Fordham, George Washington, CW Post, Marist, Northeastern, Quinnipiac, Rhode Island, Temple, St. John’s, other SUNY and CUNY schools, as well as technical and vocational institutes.. Top
Q: With all this hard work, is there any tutoring?
A:
ABSOLUTELY!  Teachers tutor students before, during and after school. Our writing center is available after school to assist students with their papers. Additionally, during preparations for Regents and Advanced Placement exams, tutoring is available on weekends. Top
Q: Can I tour the campus?
A:
Tours are offered on most Thursdays at 8:30am from September 27, 2007 through May 29, 2008. Students and their parents should reserve a tour by calling (718) 361-8786. . Top
Q: Are you having an open house?
A:
The Academy of American Studies invites all interested students and their parents to an Open House on Monday, November 5, 2007 at 6:30pm. Please call (718) 361-8786 to RSVP.. Top

   
|| Copyright © 2008 ACADEMY OF AMERICAN STUDIES. Contact A.A.S. ||