Our rigorous, college-preparatory academic program spans grades six through twelve. Our core curriculum is standards-based, with an intense focus on developing literacy and driving social change across disciplines. It includes honors and AP courses, master-level arts electives, externships, and independent study courses.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Bronx Letters is fortunate to have a strong leadership team, with Principal Amy Schless at the helm.
Our talented APs, each with a core focus area, provide invaluable guidance and expertise. They are Eunice Chao-Forest, Greg Leitao, Hana Rexha and Jeannine Newell.
Principal Amy Schless
A chief goal of our academic program is to prepare our students for successful study at whatever college they choose to attend. The college office works with students to establish a culture that understands the significance of the college essay, detailed resume, college selection process, and graduation requirements.
College counselor Kevin Brooks
The list of colleges our graduates have gone onto attend includes, but is not limited to, the following: Columbia University, Wesleyan University, Sarah Lawrence College, Skidmore College, Fordham University, University of Rochester, Northeastern, Johnson & Wales, SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, CUNY-Baruch Honors Program, Temple University.
Students across our middle school and in 9th grade take part in an innovative Service Learning class supported by our partnership with Generation Citizen. Twice a year, students also take part in Be The Change Week, an exciting interdisciplinary learning experience where students develop service projects aimed at impacting social justice in our community.
We culminate the year with Exhibitions, a rich experience rooted in project based learning with the goal of strengthening critical thinking, student writing and presentation skills.
Hands-on Learning about Hydroponics and Sustainable Agriculture during Be The Change Week.
the power of words
Student reading/signing her original poetry
In the study of language, we offer a separate four-year series of writing classes and double blocks of English, in addition to a four-year series of literature classes.
Students can get involved in two school publications, the poetry/visual arts-focused One Pen and The Raven, which combines interviews, essays and creative nonfiction.
Students can read their work at annual events such as The Night of the Arts or the Poetry Salon. They can also learn the art of storytelling taught afterschool by The Moth.
“What I like about writing is that it makes you feel important. When I first arrived at Bronx Letters, I didn’t really feel like a school type person, but now it’s changed and I actually enjoy school. BAL made me see that I am a great writer.” ”
Our values
BAL's Core Values define and guide our school: Inquiry, Integrity, Expression, Compassion, Vision and Tenacity. In addition to challenging academic work, we are also strongly committed to promoting flexible, self-motivated learning outside of the classroom. Our teachers facilitate a wide variety of extracurricular arts and athletics programs, including drama, art, chorus, debate, baseball and boys and girls’ basketball and track. During the year, our students participate in regular field trips to arts institutions, colleges and universities. During the summer months, our Enrichment and Partnership Coordinator helps connect students with jobs, internships, and programs that allow them to travel all over the world.
Bronx Academy of Letters
339 Morris Avenue, Bronx, New York, 10451 ● 1 (718) 401-4891