East Williamsburg Scholars Academy

East Williamsburg Scholars Academy (EWSA) is located in the East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. We are one of the three high schools located at the Grand Street Campus.

In order to achieve our vision, EWSA welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our school community, and provides social and emotional support to our students and staff. We provide an environment for academic growth in which students can succeed with the support of knowledgeable and caring educators. We hire and provide professional development to outstanding educators, so that they may help students reach their full potential. We prepare our students for college and career, so that they may become both financially successful and responsible members of their communities.

In addition to fulfilling academic requirements, our students have the opportunity to participate in our prestigious Law program, take up to six AP courses, enroll in college courses at one of our six college partners, and earn money and gain experience in our work-based learning programs. Additionally, EWSA scholars may play on any of the 20 sports teams on campus, or join our award-winning arts program, with classes in instrumental music, technical theater, and visual art. EWSA prides itself on being a welcoming community that values the diversity of our student and staff populations.

Vision

East Williamsburg Scholars Academy is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which our diverse student body can achieve academic success, be prepared for college and career, and make a positive difference in our communities.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Mission

Our mission is to create a culturally-responsive learning environment whereby all learners develop 21st century leadership and critical thinking skills to solve problems with empathy, and become productive global citizens.

EWSA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Testimonials

Darshinee/Alyssa Tajudeen

EWSA Parent/EWSA Graduate

I am the parent of a student who was part of EWSA’s graduating class of 2022. I would highly recommend East Williamsburg Scholars Academy for a multitude of reasons. I recommend it so much that my younger daughter will be attending EWSA in the fall as a freshman. EWSA is one of three schools located at 850 Grand Street. Its small-knit community promotes students to develop family-like relationships with each staff member, teacher or not. The staff is supportive, friendly, and cooperative. Covid brought along many hardships, a fact that reigns true for everyone. It was through the support of teachers, guidance counselors, and of course Principal Vega that students were able to successfully pass that part of their journeys. I credit my daughters’ success not only to myself but to the school as well. The school transformed my daughter from a shy and vulnerable teen into a vibrant and responsible young adult that is ready to take on the world and tackle college. Principal Vega has an open-door policy and she will drop everything just to help a student out no matter the importance or severity of the issue. Many schools in New York City would definitely not have that type of policy. Princial Vega has made me and many other families feel like the school was a second home for their children and themselves. Principal Vega also known as Mama Vega by staff and students alike, has made a new reputation for the school and gives her all to the students of the school like they’re her own children. The school is conveniently located directly above the Grand St. train station stop on the L line. There is an in-school all-access health center that can provide students with health information and physicals when needed. Principal Vega also has the students take college now programs that allow them to earn actual college credits for free. Classes at Brooklyn’s Long Island University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice have tremendously motivated my daughter to pursue a college education. The school has really helped my daughter push herself past her limits and make the impossible possible. While a child can flourish anywhere, I believe that they should do it at East Williamsburg Scholars Academy.

Tammy Staib

EWSA Parent

My name is Tammy and I have an amazing daughter entering 11th grade at East Williamsburg Scholars Academy. EWSA has given her so many great opportunities to express herself and expand her musical talents to places I couldn’t have dreamed possible. All of the teachers, administration and staff at EWSA are nothing short of excellent. As a mom I was nervous to send my daughter to high school but I quickly realized that EWSA is not just a school but it became my daughter’s second family.

Waleska Ocasio

EWSA Parent

East Williamsburg Scholars Academy has been a great experience for my son, he's going to his Sophomore year in the upcoming year. I am pleased with the clubs, diverse population that EWSA incorporates and the college readiness program. My son already took LIU classes with the initiative, and collaboration of their model. The guidance and support from the team of wonderful teachers and the principal are tremendous, they truly are like a amily. I love how amazing the communication with Principal Vega is with keeping me updated on all aspects of my son's interest and involvement in his studies at EWSA.

Priya Persaud

EWSA Parent

EWSA is such a good school and I do not regret sending my children there Shawn Persaud and Shania Persaud have been presented with so many opportunities that I don't think many other schools would even think of given. Both of my children are top of the school with highest grade point average and they could have never achieved that without the amazing Principal Vega and staff. My children have also gotten the opportunity to take early college classes at LIU it gives them college credits which will save a lot of money when it's time for college.Shawn has also been given the opportunity to work with a group called the CSAC where they come up with change that should be made within the DOE and present them to the Chancellor. I really appreciate ewsa as a whole we are not just a school but a family. Anybody thinking of applying to EWSA should really go for it you won't regret it.