Academy for Young Writers
General Information
Overview – Academy for Young Writers
The Academy for Young Writers (AFYW) is a public middle and high school serving grades 6-12, dedicated to fostering creativity, literacy, and critical thinking in a community of young authors. Its mission emphasizes educating the “whole child” by nurturing academic, emotional, and social well-being, while preparing students for college and future careers.
AFYW provides a rich academic experience rooted in writing across genres—from creative writing and journalism to more structured academic writing. Students are supported not only academically, but also socially, as the school cultivates a tight-knit community where collaboration, self-expression, and global citizenship are deeply valued. Beyond the classroom, AFYW offers clubs, arts integration, and project-based learning that allow students to explore their voice, identity, and impact. The school is uniquely positioned to help students think deeply, write meaningfully, and take active roles as participants in their own education and in their communities.
Contact Informations
Address: 135 Doughty Boulevard, Bronx, New York, 10459
Phone Number: (718) 542-0600
Email Address: info@afyw.org
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 2011 |
| Type | Public College-Prep (Grades 6-12) |
| Enrollment | Approximately 750 students |
| District | New York City Department of Education |
| Principal | Tanisha Brown |
| Mascot / Identity | Young Writers / Creatives |
| School Colors | Teal, White, and Black |
Academy for Young Writers Rankings
| Metric | Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| State (NY) | Recognized for strong writing-focused curriculum |
| National | Not ranked as a university; celebrated regionally for literacy and writing education |
Academy for Young Writers Academics
Academy for Young Writers Departments
- English / Creative Writing
- Journalism / Media
- Social Studies / Humanities
- Mathematics
- Science
- Arts / Visual Arts
- Student Support / Guidance
- Foreign Languages
Academy for Young Writers Courses and Programs
- Creative Writing Workshops (poetry, fiction, non-fiction)
- Journalism and Media Studies
- Advanced Composition and Literature
- Project-Based Learning (PBL) focused on writing-driven inquiry
- Arts-Integrated Classes (where writing intersects with visual arts)
- Writing for Social Change (service learning)
- College Preparation Courses (writing, research, SAT/ACT support)
Online Learning
AFYW primarily emphasizes a face-to-face, in-person learning environment because of its community-centered approach to writing and peer collaboration. However, it uses digital tools, writing platforms, and online learning management systems to support writing projects, peer workshops, and remote submission of drafts, especially when flexibility is needed for students or families.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Performance (est.) |
|---|---|
| State Regents / Local Exams | Writing proficiency is a school strength; students often exceed local averages on writing assessments |
| Standardized Tests (SAT / ACT) | Many students perform at or above state averages in critical reading / writing (college-prep focus) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
AFYW boasts a strong retention rate owing to its supportive, mission-driven culture and writing-centered curriculum. The graduation rate is high: nearly all seniors complete their program and graduate, as the school provides comprehensive academic guidance, college planning, and writing mentorship throughout the high school years.
Academy for Young Writers Admissions
GPA Range and Test Range
Admission to AFYW is competitive due to its specialized writing and college-prep emphasis. Prospective students typically present solid academic records, including strong performance in English and writing. While AFYW does not publicly mandate a fixed GPA or standardized test threshold, candidates with demonstrated writing ability, motivation, and commitment to community are often favored.
Academy for Young Writers Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Selective; based on application, writing sample, and academic fit |
Academy for Young Writers Application Requirements
Applicants to AFYW are asked to submit a middle school or current school transcript, teacher recommendations (especially from English teachers), and a personal writing sample—this may be an essay, a short piece of creative writing, or a reflective piece. Families often meet with school administrators or attend information sessions to understand the school’s culture and expectations.
Application Process
- Submit application via the NYC DOE choice system or AFYW’s internal process
- Provide transcripts and academic records
- Submit teacher recommendations
- Write and submit a writing sample that displays voice and ability
- Interview or attend an open house (if required)
- Receive acceptance decision and complete enrollment paperwork
Academy for Young Writers Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Late fall / early winter |
| Writing Sample Submission | Concurrent with application |
| Interviews / School Tours | Spring prior to enrollment |
| Acceptance Notification | Late spring |
Essay Prompt
AFYW often asks for a personal writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s voice, creativity, and ability to reflect on personal experiences. This helps admissions assess not only writing skill but also maturity, perspective, and potential for growth.
Academy for Young Writers Scholarships
As a public school, AFYW does not charge tuition. Financial considerations are handled through the public school system; there are no traditional “scholarships” needed for attendance, though the school may partner with external writing programs or grants for extracurricular opportunities.
Academy for Young Writers Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None (public school) |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
AFYW serves a diverse student body across grades 6-12. Students come from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The school is committed to equity, and its student population reflects the rich diversity of New York City.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Many students at AFYW come from economically diverse backgrounds. As a public school, AFYW supports low-income students through Title I programs, free or reduced-cost lunch, and robust guidance services. The school also provides accommodations for students with disabilities via Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring access to its writing-based and project-based curriculum.
Student Body
| Metric | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~750 |
| Grades Served | 6–12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Typically low, enabling personalized writing instruction |
School Diversity
AFYW stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard. Writing is deeply intertwined with identity, culture, and social awareness; students engage in projects that reflect their own experiences and those of their peers. The school encourages students to explore stories from different backgrounds, challenge assumptions, and write with empathy. The writing workshops serve as platforms for students to develop their own authentic voices and to connect their narratives with greater issues in their community. By integrating cross-cultural themes and supporting students from underrepresented groups, AFYW fosters a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world through writing. The result is a community of young writers who not only gain strong technical skills but also develop the moral and social sensibility to use their writing as a force for connection and change.
Average Earnings
As a secondary school, AFYW does not track alumni earnings directly. However, its college-prep curriculum and rigorous writing-focused education often lead students to gain admission into competitive colleges and universities. Graduates frequently pursue majors in writing, English, journalism, communications, social sciences, and more. Their strong foundation in writing, critical thinking, and self-expression equips them for successful careers in academia, publishing, media, education, and nonprofit sectors, ultimately contributing to long-term professional growth and earning potential.
Academy for Young Writers Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
AFYW’s faculty includes experienced educators specialized in English, creative writing, journalism, social studies, and the arts. The school also has department chairs and grade-level leaders who support curriculum design, student mentoring, and community events. Guidance counselors, support staff, and administrators contribute to the school’s mission of nurturing the whole child.
Faculty Profiles
Many teachers at AFYW are published writers, experienced journalists, or long-time English educators with advanced training or certifications. They mentor students through writing process, revision, and reflection. Faculty often lead creative writing workshops, help organize literary clubs, and guide students in public readings or writing contests. Their dedication to writing and community shapes a school culture that values voice, authenticity, and growth.
Academy for Young Writers Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Student Experience
AFYW’s campus fosters a strong learning community rooted in writing, collaboration, and creativity. Students participate in writing workshops, peer feedback groups, and school literary publications. There are after-school clubs like “My Sister’s Keeper,” art classes, and project-based service-learning tied to writing and social justice. School-wide events, such as Harvest Festival and open mic nights, build a sense of belonging and celebrate student voice. The culture emphasizes reflection, respect, and growth, giving students multiple opportunities to connect, collaborate, and shine through their writing.
Transportation
Students primarily commute via public transportation, walk, or use school-provided transit depending on district logistics. AFYW is accessible within its urban setting, and consistent scheduling supports students traveling daily. On campus, movement between classrooms, writing spaces, and communal areas is seamless, supporting student engagement in both academic and extracurricular life.