Frequently Asked Questions

The Academy at Hendrick Hudson is a general education Regents level team that caters to students who are capable of academic success, but are struggling in their current school environment.  By providing a small group learning environment with a team teaching approach, students build relationships with not only each other, but also the staff. This small group learning environment allows students to feel comfortable taking positive risks and challenging themselves.  

The Academy is a cooperative and nurturing environment for disenfranchised students. Established in 2004, its mission provides students with a safe and structured environment which focuses on 

• Character, Attitude and Effort over Aptitude, Ability and Talent. 

Student responsibility and personal growth is a primary goal.  Our mission is to provide a learning experience in a challenging and supportive community of students, teachers, and parents committed to truth and personal best

The "Academy Student", like all students, is not a "one-size fits all" description. Any student that benefits from a supportive community environment, where the emphasis is on individual growth as a human being first, could be an Academy student. Any student that has the capability of being successful, but who may struggle in their current classroom environments, could be an Academy student.  Our goal is to create a heterogeneous community environment that allows each student to grow with the assistance of their educators and peers. 

Academy students have been and are varsity athletes, all-American cheerleaders, painters, musicians, college graduates, Army and Airforce veterans, technical school graduates...in short, they are people from all walks of life with different interests, goals, and desires.  By providing a small group learning environment with a team teaching approach, and the opportunity to build relationships with peers and staff, students have the safety to take positive risks and discover who and what they want to be.  

Each cohort has a cap of 15 students, which results in a total of 60 students for the program.

• Administrative recommendations

• Student/Parent inquiry

• Peer recommendations

• Teacher recommendations

• Counselor recommendations

Students who are recommended to the Academy must go through an entrance process. 

• Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) complete the application, school counselor form, and application consent form. 

• Students complete an interview with the Academy staff

• Student’s information and application is then examined to determine scheduling and placement in The Academy 

• Students and parents/guardians then meet with staff to discuss placement, goals, and requirements that the student may have prior to entering the Academy (i.e. completing summer school in order to be scheduled effectively within the Academy). 

Applications are open to all students, including those with a 504, IEP, etc. 

• If a student with an IEP applies or is referred to the Academy, PPS and the student’s case manager, alongside the Academy, will meet to determine proper placement based on the student’s needs and program requirements. 

• First and foremost, the student and parent/guardian must want the opportunity to become part of The Academy. 

• Availability within the cohort/classes, as each cohort has 15 spots available. 

• The student's current course requirements and prospective schedule align with The Academy schedule.