FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: William Price, 212-491-4107

WPrice3@schools.nyc.gov

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

DR.GREGORY HODGE INTRODUCES NEW OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM AT FDA

New York, NY. (April 5, 2009)- Dr. Hodge, principal of the Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem

has enhanced an integrated learning program which thrives off of the individual gifts of each student.

The curriculum was initially introduced in 1996 but it was significantly refined over the years. The new

curriculum offers a 100% college acceptance rate for graduates.

The new curriculum includes the traditional New York State Regents curriculum, but integrates study

abroad and specialty learning fields. The Frederick Douglass Academy offers specialty learning fields in

robotics, audio-visual production, dance, fine arts, culinary arts, theatre, journalism, environmental

studies, and many more to come. The curriculum is designed to act as reinforcement to the tradition

curriculum and prepare students to attend the college of their choice.

Dr. Hodge notes that a 95% attendance rate is required in order for his curriculum to be successful.

Although the Frederick Douglass Academy doesn’t have the resources of the specialized high schools,

the Frederick Douglass Academy offers a high quality education directed towards minority students.

ABOUT THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY

The Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem was organized by Ms. Patricia Black (Manhattan

Superintendent of High Schools), Dr. Bertram Brown (Community School District 5 Chancellor of

Instruction), and Dr. Lorraine Monroe (former Deputy Chancellor of Instruction) in 1991. Dr. Hodge

took over leadership of FDA in 1996 with a curriculum based off of the teachings of Frederick Douglass

and Martin Luther King Jr. The Frederick Douglass Academy offers a college prep program for

approximately 1,500 students from grades 6-12. Eighty percent of students are from district 5 in Harlem

and twenty percent of students are from outside of the district. The Frederick Douglass Academy offers

educational travel opportunities in order to broaden students’ horizons. Previous travel destinations

include Belarussia, Brazil, Canada, China, Dominica, France, Ghana, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mali, Mexico,

Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdoms. For more information about the

Frederick Douglass Academy please visit www.fda1.org.

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Frederick Douglass Academy

MEDIA INFORMATION

2581 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. New York, NY 10039 212.491.410 www.fda1.org

April 14, 2009

Nayaba Arinde

Amsterdam News

2340 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

New York, NY 10027

Dear Nayaba Arinde:

Re: National Mathematics Awareness Month

Did you know that the Frederick Douglass Academy has been making curriculum changes to

ensure one the highest graduation rates amongst minorities in New York City? The Frederick

Douglass Academy recently received the Schott Award for the excellent education of African-

American males.

This April is National Mathematics Awareness month. A representative from the Frederick

Douglass Academy will be available to talk about efforts being made by the New York City

Board of Education to improve mathematics scores amongst minority students, particularly

males.

I will contact you in a few days to discuss the possibility of scheduling an appearance or

interview on this crucial education related topic. You can also contact me at your convenience at

(212) 555-5555. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

SeQuoia King

SeQuoia King

Public Relations Associate

NEWS

The Frederick

Douglass Academy

CONTACT:

Dr. Gregory Hodge, Frederick Douglass Academy

(212) 491-4107

William Price, Frederick Douglass Academy

(212) 491- 4107

Yvette McKenzie

(212) 491-4107

MEDIA ADVISORY

The Frederick Douglass Academy will have an Asian Heritage Month celebration which informs and

raises cultural awareness.

FDA Principal Dr. Hodge

Students of FDA

Ms. Lisa Smith

Ms. Yvonne Yamusah

WHAT: Brief overview of Asian heritage

Presentation on the importance of Asian Heritage

Opportunity to see and participate in the celebration

WHEN: Friday, May 29th

9th

period

WHERE: Frederick Douglass Academy

2581 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (7th

Avenue at W. 149th Street)

New York, NY 10039

SUBWAY: 3 to Harlem-148 Street; A, D to 145 Street

BUS: M2 to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard & W. 149th Street; M10 to Frederick

Douglass Boulevard & W. 149th Street; M101, M102 to W. 147th Street; BX 19 to

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard

The Frederick Douglass Academy and affiliated companies/ Frederick Douglass Academy/ 2581 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd/ New York, NY 10039

For Immediate Release: MEDIA CONTACTS:

Gregory M. Hodge William Price

FDA Principal FDA Student Affairs

(212) 491-4107 (212) 491-4107

ghodge@schools.nyc.gov WPrice3@schools.nyc.gov

FUN FACTS ON THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS ACADEMY

Did you know? Students of the Frederick Douglass Academy experience a vigorous academic

curriculum while traveling the world. Check out the Frederick Douglass Academy’s scholastic

learning environment at the open house Friday, May 1. Find out if the Frederick Douglass Academy

is the right place for your child.

Here are some more fun facts about the Frederick Douglass Academy:

Frederick Douglass Academy

100% of FDA graduates are accepted to a college.

FDA Students begin taking regents classes in the 8th

grade.

80% of students accepted to FDA live in Harlem while 20% are from the five boroughs.

Students are accepted to FDA based on an interview and two written recommendations.

FDA Regent Scores are 30-40% above the city average.

The FDA School population is 72% Black, 26% Hispanic, 1% White, and 1%Asian.

Boys account for 49% of FDA students and girls account for 51%.

The average attendance rate for 2006-2007 school year was 91%.

Students are required to wear white shirt/blouses, navy blue pants/skirts, and black shoes.

All FDA students are required to follow the guidelines of the student creed which is influenced by the

teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

FDA received The Schott Award for Excellence in educating African- American male students.

Source: www.fda1.org, www.schools.nyc.gov