Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. to present his School Spotlight Award to the deserving administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students at Ella Fitzgerald Academy. Under the leadership of Dr. Valencia Brown-Wyatt, Ella Fitzgerald Academy has achieved notable progress in two pivotal areas: Exceptional Literacy Growth & Language Development and Academic Progress & Schoolwide Content Mastery.
“Dr. Valencia Brown-Wyatt and her team at Ella Fitzgerald Academy have shown what is possible when a school community is united in purpose and committed to every child’s success,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Their steady academic gains speak to the hard work and unwavering dedication of the entire school community. I applaud their commitment and proudly recognize the progress they continue to deliver for our Yonkers Public School students.”
Dr. Valencia Brown-Wyatt and her team at Ella Fitzgerald Academy have worked tirelessly over the past year to meet the needs of their learning community. Their dedication has led to significant improvements in the school’s overall performance. This steady upward trajectory reflects a school deeply committed to equitable access, rigorous instruction, and whole‑child academic success.
Initiatives that have contributed to the school’s success include:
Exceptional Literacy Growth & Language Development– Ella Fitzgerald Academy stands out as a citywide leader in accelerating literacy for multilingual learners.
Ella Fitzgerald Academy posted a remarkable +14‑point ELA gain—the highest among its peers—showing students are not only accessing grade‑level work but excelling in it. This momentum is reinforced by strong New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSELAT) performance, with most students advancing at least one proficiency level and several moving up two or more. With minimal regression and consistent, effective language‑development systems, multilingual learners are empowered, supported, and achieving at high levels.
Academic Progress & Schoolwide Content Mastery – Ella Fitzgerald Academy demonstrated positive growth across all tested subjects, including Math (+4) and Science (+3).
Ella Fitzgerald Academy’s gains show that the school’s instructional practices are not confined to a single department but are part of a broader culture of academic improvement. This is evident, for example, in the way teachers enhance their professional development through inter‑classroom visitations and district‑led turnkey training.
Supported by their colleagues, they learn and implement best practices in real time. Evidence of culturally responsive education is also reflected in the school’s meaningful family‑engagement opportunities. By integrating language supports into content instruction across subjects, the school ensures that multilingual learners experience meaningful, measurable progress in every discipline.
“The remarkable gains at Ella Fitzgerald Academy are a direct reflection of the school’s intentional, student‑centered work,” said Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio. “From the extraordinary literacy growth of multilingual learners to the steady, schoolwide increases in content mastery, Dr. Valencia Brown-Wyatt and her team have demonstrated what can happen when high expectations, strong instructional practices, and deep family partnerships come together. Their progress is not accidental; it is the result of thoughtful leadership, collaborative teaching, and a belief that every child can and will achieve. We are incredibly proud of the momentum they have built and the example they are setting for our district.”
Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. added, “Ella Fitzgerald Academy shows how high expectations, strong instruction, and a commitment to multilingual learners lead to success. The literacy improvements and schoolwide growth come from intentional leadership, collaborative teaching, and a culture that believes every student can succeed. I am proud of Dr. Brown-Wyatt, her staff, and the entire school community for creating an environment where excellence and equity go hand in hand.”
Mayor Spano’s School Spotlight Award highlights four Yonkers Public Schools within the academic school year for their significant academic success, extracurricular achievements, and community involvement.
About the City of Yonkers
The City of Yonkers is the third largest city in New York State and Westchester County’s largest city. Yonkers serves as the gateway to the Hudson Valley with more than 40 vibrant and diverse suburban neighborhoods. First settled as a small farm town in 1646 settled by Dutchman Adriaen Van Der Donck, Yonkers evolved into a major trading and industrial center. Today, Yonkers hosts the largest film production studios in the Northeast, claiming the title Hollywood on Hudson. Yonkers is one of the safest cities of its size in the nation and is home to a vibrant arts district along with more than 80 local parks.