Brooklyn College Academy

Brooklyn College Academy is a highly selective, early college high school located on the campus of Brooklyn College, a senior college of the City University of New York system. The academy is designed for students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and a strong desire to excel in a challenging environment, often attracting students from neighboring schools such as James Madison High School and Midwood High School. Students at the academy have the opportunity to take college-level courses alongside Brooklyn College students, taught by professors from the college, including those from the Brooklyn College Department of Biology and the Brooklyn College Department of Chemistry. The academy's curriculum is closely tied to that of Brooklyn College, with students often attending classes in the Brooklyn College Library and utilizing resources such as the Brooklyn College Writing Center.

● History

The history of the academy dates back to its founding, with the support of New York City Department of Education and City University of New York. The academy has undergone significant changes over the years, with input from educators at New York University, Columbia University, and Harvard University. The academy's early years were marked by collaborations with institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, providing students with unique learning opportunities. The academy has also been influenced by the work of educators such as John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner, and has hosted lectures by notable figures such as Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn.

● Academics

The academy offers a rigorous academic program, with students taking a combination of high school and college-level courses, including classes in the Brooklyn College Department of Mathematics and the Brooklyn College Department of Computer Science. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate's degree from Brooklyn College upon graduation, in addition to their high school diploma, and often go on to attend top universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. The academy's curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in a variety of fields, including medicine at institutions such as Mount Sinai Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, law at institutions such as New York University School of Law and Columbia Law School, and engineering at institutions such as Cooper Union and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Students at the academy also have access to resources such as the Brooklyn College Center for Achievement in Science and the Brooklyn College Institute for Computer Science.

● Campus

The academy is located on the campus of Brooklyn College, in the heart of Brooklyn, providing students with access to a wide range of resources and facilities, including the Brooklyn College Student Center and the Brooklyn College Athletic Field. Students at the academy are able to take advantage of the college's state-of-the-art facilities, including the Brooklyn College Library and the Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center. The academy is also close to other educational institutions, such as Pratt Institute and St. Francis College, and cultural attractions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Prospect Park Zoo. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby stops for the New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road.

● Student Life

Students at the academy are encouraged to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations such as the Brooklyn College Debate Team and the Brooklyn College Robotics Team. The academy also offers a range of sports teams, competing against other schools in the Public Schools Athletic League and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Students at the academy have the opportunity to engage with the broader Brooklyn College community, attending events such as concerts at the Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center and lectures at the Brooklyn College Center for the Humanities. The academy also has a strong focus on community service, with students participating in volunteer work at organizations such as the Brooklyn Food Bank and the New York City Parks Department.

● Notable Alumni

The academy has a long history of producing successful and accomplished alumni, including graduates who have gone on to attend top universities such as Yale University, University of Chicago, and California Institute of Technology. Alumni of the academy have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including medicine at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and University of Pennsylvania, law at institutions such as Harvard Law School and University of Michigan Law School, and engineering at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and University of Texas at Austin. Notable alumni include individuals such as Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Stephen Breyer, who have made significant contributions to fields such as law and politics.

● Admissions

Admission to the academy is highly competitive, with applicants required to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores, such as the SAT and ACT. The academy also requires applicants to complete a rigorous application process, including a written essay and an interview with members of the Brooklyn College Admissions Committee. Students who are accepted to the academy are often awarded scholarships and financial aid, including the New York State Regents Scholarship and the National Merit Scholarship. The academy is committed to diversity and inclusion, with a strong focus on recruiting students from underrepresented groups, including those from New York City Housing Authority and New York City Department of Education schools.