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Barack Obama School for Social Justice
Pre-Law and Criminal Justice Academies
yonkerspublicschools.org/obama
GRADES 7-12
201 Palisade Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703 • (914) 376-8177
School Theme: At the Barack Obama School for Social Justice, through academically rigorous and culturally relevantlearning opportunities, students will be prepared for life of choices beyond high school, including college and career readiness, grounded in a passion for social justice and dignity for all people. The school is designing academies forstudents to explore careers and technical skills in Pre-Law and Criminal Justice. By nurturing each student’s unique talentsand aspirations, our learning community and partners model what social justice looks like in practice as Obama studentsbecome future leaders.
Middle Years – Grades 7-8
Students in grade seven receive enriched instruction with an emphasis on building all students’ skills and proficiency in English Language Arts as well as conceptual understanding in Mathematics; teachers use targeted academic interventions. Grades seven and eightstudents are grouped in cohorts that remain together throughout the school day to assist in the academic, social and emotional transition from elementary school to secondary school. Students selected into the grade eight honors cohort are expected to complete middle school with three high school credits in Algebra I, Living Environment, and Foreign Language.
High School – Grades 9-12
In addition to the New York State graduation requirements, high school students are enrolled in elective courses aligned to the socialjustice theme and the school’s foundational values of Respect, Advocacy, Integrity, Community, Equity, and Scholarship. All sophomores take a foundational course called World Problems, where they will be exposed to various social justice related issues. From there, students can choose to follow either the Pre-Law or the Criminal Justice academies, which each culminates in aligned College Link courses. Our goal is to ensure all students graduate high school College, Career and Civic Ready (CCCR) with opportunities to achieve Seals of Civic Readiness and Biliteracy and take Advanced Placement and College Link courses.
Smaller Learning Communities
- With smaller class cohorts, students receive personalized learning experiences geared to their interests and academic needs
- Academic and social support is provided for students to be successful in secondary school, college and their chosen career path
- Monthly town halls provide a forum for student voice and opportunities for uniquely tailored college and career planning that begins in middle school
- Community events celebrate student achievement
Pre-Law Academy
The Pre-Law Academy offers a program of study for students interested in the legal fields, which may include lawyer, paralegal or court reporter careers. High school students in the Pre-Law Academy will supplement their core academic classes with elective and College Link courses in World Problems, Legal Studies,and Constitutional Law. Seniors are expected to complete a capstone project through an internship or community service aligned to their high school academy. Students completing this academy will have a state-certified Seal of Civic Readiness. All middle school students are exposed to academic and enrichment programs focused on critical reasoning, writing skills and analytical abilities in preparation for the high school academy.
Criminal Justice Academy
The Criminal Justice Academy offers a program of study for students interested in the Criminal Justice fields, which may include criminology, cyber security, law enforcement, and forensic psychology. High school students in the Criminal Justice Academy take elective and College Link courses focusing on current issues and trends in forensic science including criminal forensics, investigations, cyber security, ethics, and social justice in action. Seniors are expected to complete a capstone project through an internship orcommunity service aligned to their high school pathway. Students completing this pathway will have a state-certified Seal of Civic Readiness. Middle school students have the opportunity to join an
after-school Forensics Program that provides technical skills, encourages critical thinking and problem solving, and acts as a precursor to the high school academy through hands-on laboratory projects.
After School Programs and Activities
At the Barack Obama School for Social Justice, all students have the opportunity to participate in after-school enrichment activities, which include:
- Student Government
- Forensics
- Robotics
- Interscholastic Sports (Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Football, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Wrestling)
- My Brother’s Keeper
- My Sister’s Keeper
- Chess
- Drumming
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Gender & Sexuality Alliance
- Middle School Literary Magazine
- Middle School Modified Girls Volleyball and Modified Girls and Boys Basketball
The Partners
The school works closely with the following agencies, institutions and/or colleges:
- Cluster Community Services
- Cobra Performing Arts
- ED Life Consulting Services
- Fordham University Talent Search Program
- The Guidance Center
- Nepperhan Community Center
- St. Joseph’s Medical Center
- STEER for Student Athletics
- Student Assistance Services Corporation
- Westchester Jewish Community Services
- Workforce Investment Bureau
- Yonkers Fire Department
- Yonkers Parent Teacher Association
- Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE)
- Yonkers Police Athletic League
- Yonkers Police Department