Education Revolution in Southside Williamsburg
By Evan Tobias
On 157 Wilson Street in Southside Williamsburg an education revolution is happening. While so many New York City schools are over crowded and under funded The Williamsburg Collegiate Charter School (WCCS) opened its doors to 75 fifth graders in August 2005 taking a completely new approach to education and the lucky students who are able to attend are reaping the benefits. The school, with the help from the State of New York and private grants and donations will expand one grade and 75 students per year until it is a full middle and high school, grades 5 through 12 with approximately 500 students. But what makes this school different than all other public New York City schools is its purpose from day one is to prepare each student for college.
The founding eight teachers created their school using models from other very successful charter schools such as the Boston Collegiate Charter School (which is one of the highest performing public schools in Massachusetts) along with North Star Academy in Newark, New Jersey. Principle Julie Trott said that they applied to start a school in New York and the city found them the site in Williamsburg because it was an area that was in need of new schools. “Two Parochial schools closed last year in this area so ending up here was a very happy accident. The community has embraced us because they could see how committed we are to succeed and to help their children. We recruited our current students by holding meetings and even hanging out in McDonalds. We had to sell the idea of the school but parents were very receptive because they saw us as a real alternative.” They ended up with 133 applicants for 75 spots and, as in all charter schools, randomly drew out of a box who would attend.
The students at WCCS wear a uniform to school each day, emphasizing the seriousness of school and de-emphasizing the status of clothing. The uniforms (khaki pants/skirts with light blue/navy blue WCCS shirt, brown/black shoes - no sneakers, with brown/black belt and ties for boys) are purchased at a discounted cost to parents. The classes focus on literacy and the school develops its curriculum directly from the New York State Learning Standards that ensures students master a core set of basic academic skills before moving on. WCCS begins educating students about the importance of college from day one in 5th grade and continues doing so through college readiness activities throughout middle and high school. The goal is for freshman year of college to become a natural extension of graduating from high school.
The staff works from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day and even when the day is over there are still teachers working with students. “We believe that education shouldn’t be rocket science…we don’t compromise and don’t waiver until all goals are met. High expectations demand significant amounts of extra support before, during, and after school and on Saturdays. The school understands that without great teachers, nothing else matters,” says Principle Trott.
The students just finished the first quarter and are preparing to take the state tests. While the staff is concentrating on test preparation they are also looking toward next year and beyond and are looking to hire four more teachers to teach English, Math, Science, and to fill the Dean of Students position. They will also begin to accept applications for next years 5th grade class so all parents interested in having their child go to this school you should contact the school and they will keep your name and send out an application in the spring.
Parents genuinely have the opportunity to have their children placed in a school where personal attention and production comes first and all within the New York City public school system. Any current parent with a child going into the 5th grade next year and is a New York City resident is eligible to apply and no student takes any admissions test.
If you are interested in attending or learning more about WCCS please give them a call at 718.302.4018. You can also check out their website at www.collegiatecs.org.
If you are a teacher and would like to apply for a job call Mr. Paul Le at 718.302.4018.
