I ran across this independent assessment of The Eagle Academy from 2004. Insideschool.org is The Independent Guide to New York Public Schools. It complements what we heard from David Banks.

One of two all-male schools to open in New York City in 2004, the Eagle Academy for Young Men is off to a promising start. Principal David Banks, former head of the successful Bronx High School for Law, Government and Justice, played a key role in developing the idea for this school, along with One Hundred Black Men, Inc., an organization of African-American professionals, including former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, actor Danny Glover, entertainer Bill Cosby, and trial lawyer Johnnie Cochran, Jr. Together, they hope to create a school that can ready young men for college, while educating them about obstacles they may face and how to overcome them.

"The Eagle Academy is an idea whose time has come and [it fills] a great need in the community," says Banks. "Hearing statistics stating that 50 percent of African American men are unemployed or unemployable is unconceivable. We felt we needed to take a chance. Teachers have to create a curriculum based on how boys learn and they provide hands on experiences to address boys' natural competitive nature. "Far too many [African and Hispanic] young men are not making it. Single sex education may not be the answer but it is worth the try." The mayor, chancellor and the community have all shown support for this type of school.

Among the school's offerings is a one-on-one mentoring program that matches up students, based on their career interests and or social needs, with a member of One Hundred Black Men for the duration of high school.

The school takes pains to keep students on the track to college and that means a lot is demanded of them. The school day, for example, lasts until 5:30 p.m., with study groups and homework help offered after regular classes end. School is also in session on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, when students take part in intramural sports, as well as classes on such topics as financial planning and leadership. Dinner is provided for the students due to the length of the required school day.

During our visit a double-period math class, led by a capable teacher, impressed us. He was firm, but it was clear that he cared about the boys as he went from desk to desk to make sure they understood the concepts being taught. In an English class, also lasting two periods, students read from Bad Boy, a memoir by Walter Dean Myers about growing up in Harlem in the 1940s and 1950s. Everyone in the class took turns and read aloud. "Kids are producing," said the school's literacy coach. "In after-school they ask for the help they need and the teachers have to keep things creative to keep the discussions moving. What's great is that these boys are discussing academic topics, not just sports."

The school still has some rough edges to smooth. It took quite a few minutes -- and a stern, but not belittling, reminder from the teacher -- for the students in a global history class to stop chattering and settle down. "Without the presence of young ladies to impress, the young men revert back to their natural playfulness," says Banks. The mentoring program helps keep the young men on task. If a student has a minor behavior problem, the school informs the mentor, and he, in turn, speaks to the student about it on the phone or in person during the Saturday academy.

Monday through Thursday students are required to wear a school uniform that includes a tie decorated with eagles. Friday and Saturday are dress-down days -- polo shirts and casual slacks. Extracurricular activities include a chess club and a program in which students raise money to build schools in third world countries. Students also take trips to tour colleges and universities.

Admissions: The school is as interested in parents as the kids. Both must agree in writing to support all aspects of the school, from its dress code to community service requirement. (Jacquie Wayans, October 2004)



Parent Tawana Dunham writes: "I am really happy that my son was accepted into the Eagle Academy for young men. It is about time someone noticed our young men need help, guidance, and encouragement from positive male figures." (March 2005)
As per Principal David Banks, this school will be housed in the Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice for the first year and then will move into its own building in the West Farms area of the Bronx. (June 2004)