1. MEDIA INFORMATION
2581 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. New York, NY 10039 212.491.410 www.fda1.org
Frederick Douglass Academy
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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