Preparatory Academy for Writers: A College Board School

The Preparatory Academy for Writers: A College Board School, serving grades 6-12 in Queens, is known for its challenging curriculum with a strong emphasis on writing and critical thinking. The school fosters high academic expectations, with all middle school students taking high school Regents exams and most high school students engaging in college-level coursework through partnerships like College Now and York College. The school maintains a caring and supportive environment, described by some as friendly and calm, despite its academic rigor. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding the school's community and communication. The four-year graduation rate of 89% is near the citywide median, and college enrollment at 67.9% is slightly above the citywide median. Regents pass rates are strong in subjects like English, US History, Global History, and Languages Other Than English. The school also offers a variety of afterschool activities, including dance, art, STEM, and college planning. However, the school's instruction and performance rating is "Fair," suggesting some inconsistencies in teaching quality. Student surveys indicate concerns regarding bullying, drug use, and physical altercations, with lower favorable shares compared to citywide averages. The school is co-located on the first floor of the Springfield Gardens Educational Campus, sharing facilities with other schools, which can lead to high traffic.