Bronx Leadership Academy High School

I am surprised that this fine school has not rated better. I challenge the numbers that puts this school so low in ranking. In the past few years, BLA, has gone through many challenges and has approached each one with great effort in resolution to problems and support of achievements. It is a school with administrators and teachers as well as other staff who are committed to the students and their families. I was a parent between 2006-2010. I was a Parent Association president and member of the School Leadership Team. Therefore I was able to witness from the "inside". The fact that this school is located in the "hood" and is a shining light has subjected it to many challenges that have been enormous and complex. However, the Principal, Mr. Kenneth Gaskins who grew up in the same neighborhood, chose to give back to his community by committing himself to this school. This fact alone speaks volumes. I cannot say enough about this school.
When going through the process of choosing a high school for my daughter, we developed criteria which included academic rating, AP classes, commitment to students, student and teacher satisfaction, staff turnover, views on parent participation, and the "this is the one" factor. After all, Taylor was in an Honors Class all through middle school. We live in the Northeast Bronx, as an intact middle class family with college graduate professional parents and sibling. BLA was not even on the initial HS list because of its location. However, on second glance, we decided to have a tour. Mr. Yip, AP, greeted us and immediately handed us over to a senior student who conducted the tour. Stephanie did an excellent job. But I noticed that other students had joined in the procession and articulated their thoughts about the school and also their achievements which included college acceptances. One young man stated that he struggled with academics. But, another student praised him for his efforts and improvements. She assured him that he would graduate and eventually find his way to college. The students congratulated and complimented each other and made sure we knew how proud they were of each other. They also supported the strict dress code. There is was...."this is the one" factor. After meeting with Mr. Yip we asked for the selection process. At home, I asked my daughter, Taylor for feedback. She said that she "really liked the school because the kids liked each other and that they had a dress code." WHAT! What happened to our criteria? Well, she continued, BLA met all points, but that what was more important, she could "see" herself doing well there. YES! This was my feeling also. BLA was a good fit for both of us. Even with an over 2 hour commute, it would be well worth the effort.
When Mr. Yip called me to tell me Taylor had been accepted, I was elated.
It is now five years later. Taylor graduated June 2010 top 2% of her class. She is attending college and doing well. I so completely miss BLA.
This review serves as testimony to a school that has not been fairly rated. But, I hope it may help parents in choosing HS beyond the numbers......great name for a book!

this is a wonderful high school i am a full time time student and teachers and staff are very supportive and would do their best to make you achieve in life and college