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Welcome to Avenues!
Congratulations and a warm welcome to Avenues New York! We're thrilled to have you join our vibrant community.
We truly believe Avenues offers an exceptional education, preparing students to make a real-world difference. We're excited to partner with you to explore all of the opportunities that Avenues can offer, beginning in our Early Learning Center. Please don't hesitate to reach out to our admissions team - we're here to support you as you embark on your Avenues journey!
Warm regards,
Bobbe Fernando
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
Ready to enroll?
Complete the Enrollment Checklist
- Log in to the Enrollment Portal
- Review and submit the enrollment agreement
- Pay enrollment deposit
- Follow @avenuesed on Instagram and use #Avenues2024 to share your excitement!
Meet Our Community
What grades are your children in?
1st, 3rd & 6th grade
Why did you choose Avenues?
We chose Avenues because of its project based, hands on learning and the immersion program. We also loved the global feel of the curriculum and campus.
What is your favorite thing about Avenues?
We love the community at Avenues and how much our children love going to school! Our girls are always coming home with fun stories of things they've learned and experienced during their school days.
Describe Avenues in 3 words
Energized, Reflective, Oneness
Joshi Family
Hometown
Mexico
Degrees and schooling
BA, Childhood Education, Normal Puebla, Mexico
M.S.Ed., Early Childhood Education, City College of N.Y.
M.S., Bilingual Special Education in Early childhood and Childhood Education, City College of N.Y.
Years of teaching experience
37 years and 10 years at Avenues.
Describe your teaching philosophy
Children learn by doing— allowing them to explore, sing, dance, cook, and do art is the best way for them to truly enjoy and express all their ideas. Observing and listening to all their conversations allows me to plan activities that will engage them in play and learning.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Avenues community?
Our strong sense of community where everyone is supported and respected as a unique individual and the sense of belonging allows me to grow and feel comfortable to speak and be heard.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Avenues?
The constant innovation in learning, and how parents are engaged and in continuous collaboration and partnership with faculty with a common goal to raise students as global learners with exceptional and unique talents.
Describe Avenues in three words
Innovative, global, transformative
Profe Flores
What grades are your children in?
Nursery
Why did you choose Avenues?
We chose Avenues because we hope to raise a knowledgable and responsible global citizen and see the school as a partner in that endeavor.
What is your favorite thing about Avenues?
We love that the school's mission is to, among other things, graduate students that are aware, fluent, passionate, confident, practical, humble, generous, and architects of lives that transcend the ordinary.
Describe Avenues in 3 words
Global, Communicative, Multifaceted
Kaneene Family
Neighborhood
Downtown Manhattan
Current grade(s) of children
Grade 1 & Grade 3
Previous school before Avenues
Montessori Soho
Language track
Mandarin
Langues spoken at home
English, Portuguese
Why did you choose Avenues?
We love the immersion program, the technology, the brand new facilities, the leadership, and the inquisitive method of learning.
Favorite thing about Avenues
Innovation, community, parent support.
Describe Avenues in three words
Supportive, engaged, cutting edge.
Goldstein Family
Neighborhood
Harlem
Current grade(s) of your children
Grade 3 & Kindergarten
Previous school before Avenues
Petit Poussins Too
Language Track
Spanish
Languages spoken at home
English, French
Why did you choose Avenues?
We chose Avenues because it provided a unique, global perspective on education.
Favorite thing about Avenues
The dedication of the teachers and staff in making sure the children are both academically and emotionally well supported.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Community, innovative, perceptive.
Hippolyte Family
Hometown
Taiwan
Degrees and schooling
Master's degree, Childhood Education with Bilingual Extension, Hunter College
NYS Childhood Education 1-6 grades, with Bilingual Extension
Teachers College of Columbia University, TCSOL Certification Program
Durham University, Master's Degree, TESOL
Division you teach
Middle Grades
Years of teaching experience and number of years at Avenues
15 years teaching; 10 years at Avenues
Describe your teaching philosophy
Knowledge is power, and it helps one to build up one’s capabilities, and hopefully, one can make a positive influence on our world. I love an anonymous quote that says, “this world doesn't need more successful people, but instead, we need more good people.” The question then becomes "what to teach?" I always tell my students that “middle grades is not all about academics, it is important that you are learning to understand more about yourself, identify and discover your own strengths and areas of growth. Start from there, let's learn and explore.”
Why did you choose to come to Avenues?
I agree with the school’s mission to prepare students to be global citizens. I also like how many opportunities we have as a teachers; there is so much professional development. I enjoy learning and working at an innovative school.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Avenues community?
I love my co-workers, everyone here is so talented and willing to work as a team.
How would you describe Avenues students?
Enjoy learning, curious learners, and are not shy to express themselves.
What's different about Avenues’ curriculum?
Project-based learning.
How do you challenge and support your students?
Knowing where they are and pushing them to the next level of success. Setting goals with students.
Describe Avenues in three words
Innovative, challenging, inspiring.
Hsieh Laoshi
Neighborhood
Midtown
Current grade(s) of your children
Grade 5 & Grade 2
Language Track
Mandarin
Languages spoken at home
English
Previous school before Avenues
International Preschools
Why did you choose Avenues?
The main thing that drew us to Avenues was language immersion. We also loved the school's commitment to thinking about the future of education.
Favorite thing about Avenues
The people! Everyone (teachers, students, parents, administrators) has been so engaged in the school and community.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Global. Community-Driven. Innovative.
Kapadia Family
Hometown
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
Degrees and schooling
BA in Spanish, Middlebury College
MA Primary and Special Education, Manhattanville College
MA Immersion Education, University of Minnesota
Division you teach
Lower Division
Years of teaching experience
14 years, with 12 years at Avenues
Describe your teaching philosophy
Students learn when they are engaged and feel a strong sense of belonging and agency. Therefore, it's all about classroom community and student inquiry. Regardless of where the student interests take us in a given year, we can teach the grade-level skills through their passions.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Avenues community?
Collaboration within and across divisions. It's wonderful as a 5th-grade Spanish teacher to work with an English Pre-K teacher or an Upper Division music teacher and have our students be the beneficiaries of our interdivisional collaboration. The people who work at Avenues make it fun to be here each day. While we're a big school, there is still a sense of community and familiarity.
How would you describe Avenues students?
Avenues students come to school eager to learn, share, and grow. Their tenacity, open-mindedness, and creativity blow me away every day!
What's different about Avenues’ curriculum?
The Avenues curriculum is always evolving. There is not a single unit I have taught in my 11 years at Avenues that has remained unchanged. The best part about the curriculum is that it changes and evolved based on the interests of the students and the expertise of the teachers. This allows us to ensure the curriculum is relevant and engaging year after year.
How do you challenge and support your students?
I meet students where they are and work on challenging them within their proximal zone of development. Depending on their needs, I have a toolkit from which I can scaffold challenges in math or writing by creating extensions or teaching more advanced concepts that are related to the topic we're currently investigating. Every student will need a slightly different strategy to raise their skill level.
Profe Gilchrist
Hometown
Detroit, Michigan
Degrees and schooling
Bachelor of Dance Arts, University of Michigan
Master of Fine Arts in Film Production/Directing, University of Miami
Division you teach
Lower Division
Years of teaching experience
16+ years with 6 at Avenues
Describe your teaching philosophy
I believe that we were all born to dance, move, and express ourselves creatively. I want my students to tap into their natural way of moving, and explore their uniqueness through movement and tell stories without words.
Why did you choose to come to Avenues?
I love that Avenues is always open to change and finding new approaches to learning. We are constantly trying to be better! Avenues is not afraid to take the lead and our community is full of so many creative talented individuals.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Avenues community?
I love that we have the freedom to collaborate and create a curriculum that addresses the needs of our students going into the world.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Avenues?
I love that the students always ask questions and are not afraid to express their point of view.
How would you describe Avenues students?
Curious, confident, and ready to meet challenges!
What's different about Avenues’ curriculum?
Avenues is always finding ways to be more inclusive and to understand different points of view.
How is Avenues preparing students for an uncertain future?
Avenues believes in student-driven work and students taking ownership. This philosophy makes them accountable and fearless in using their minds and creativity to solve world problems.
What's one thing that you hope your students will grasp by the time they graduate?
Empathy and a profound understanding of those less fortunate.
How do you challenge and support your students?
I believe history and understanding the foundation of any subject is relevant and important. I always try to go back to history and show the relation to current events, etc.
Favorite thing about Avenues
I love that we keep expanding and becoming more diverse! It is a worldwide community and I look forward to seeing the other campuses.
Describe Avenues in three words
Innovative, awareness, transformative.
Mr. Woodson
Hometown
Colombia
Degrees and schooling
MA in TESOL, BA in Bilingual Education
Division you teach
Early Learning Center
Years of teaching experience
14 years with 8 years at Avenues
Describe your teaching philosophy
I believe my role as a teacher is to embrace students' uniqueness to learn and grow. Being reflective in my practice and working hard to meet all my students' needs is my top priority. I firmly think that every day is an opportunity to learn and become a better teacher. Social, emotional, and academic progress go along with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the power of creativity and curiosity all of which I aim to have my students experience once they walk into my classroom.
Why did you choose to come to Avenues?
I have worked in different bilingual schools in the USA and I have found Avenues the most amazing place to work and enjoy bilingualism in every corner. Every language is respected, valued, and appreciated by every one of the members of this big family. This allows me to breathe and live cultural diversity and opens up a door for all students, faculty, and staff to see the nuances of how the world should be.
Describe Avenues in three words
Unique, versatile, diverse.
Profe Jimenez
College/University
The University of Chicago
College major/minor
Philosophy
How did Avenues prepare you for college?
Avenues has given me a toolbox that I will take with me for the rest of my life. From the skills I acquired over my four years at Avenues, I feel confident in my ability to tackle any problems that come my way.
What did you enjoy most about being part of the Avenues community?
There were many aspects of the Avenues community that made me deeply enjoy being apart of it. I think most notable were the diversity of passions within the Avenues student body and faculty that I did not fully appreciate until now being in college. Even if you were not in class, learning occurred, whether it be in the hallways or at lunch, due to the variation of passions among students I could always depend on hearing about something from a peer.
Olivia, Alumna '20
Neighborhood
Harlem
Grade of child
Grade 3
Language track
Mandarin
Languages spoken at home
French, English
Why did you choose Avenues?
We were excited about Avenues' forward-thinking, innovative and global approach to education. The opportunities for Chinese language immersion and STEM learning were of particular interest. We felt these could play a critical role in preparing our child for the world of the future.
Favorite thing about Avenues
Some of our favorite things about Avenues are the small class sizes, student-teacher ratio, and the educators' ability to build a class community culture centered on the bolstering of student's sense of self-agency.
Describe Avenues in three words
Forward-thinking, self-reflective, responsive.
Williams Family
Hometown
Dorado, Puerto Rico
Degrees and schooling
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education with a specialty in Visual Impairments, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus
Master’s of Liberal Arts, Stony Brook University
Division you teach
Early Learning Center
Years of teaching experience
13 years
Number of years you've worked at Avenues
9 years
Why did you choose to come to Avenues?
I chose to come to Avenues because of the attractive immersion program and the quality of education.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Avenues community?
The Avenues community is like no other. At Avenues, there is a sense of pride to work in such a school. Everyone is well prepared and open to new ways of teaching. But what I enjoy the most about being part of the Avenues community is that feeling of belonging. It feels like we're all part of a family. A family that cares for each other, learn from one another, and help each other.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Avenues?
What I enjoy the most about teaching at Avenues is that you don't stop learning and reinventing yourself and your teaching. I feel like you learn something new every day and that's exciting.
How would you describe Avenues students?
Avenues students are like sponges, ready to soak in and learn anything that comes their way.
Describe Avenues in three words
Innovative, unique, at the forefront.
Profe Padilla
College/University
Cornell University
College major/minor
Computer Science
Year you graduated from Avenues
2020
How did Avenues prepare you for college?
Prior to attending Avenues, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in computer science. Nevertheless, I was unsure of the type of work I would like to do. Avenues provided me with the opportunity to explore potential careers through interdisciplinary projects that merged my interests with the school curriculum. This resulted in an immersive experience that taught me that it is possible to apply my passions in so many different settings.
What is the most valuable skill you developed at Avenues?
I can safely say that the most valuable thing I have developed from my time at Avenues is the confidence to network with others. In 10th grade, I was part of the Mastery Learning System (MLS) where I conducted research on video game development in order to create a game by the end of the year. To my surprise, this was an extremely rigorous process that did not only require knowledge in programming, but also in storytelling, art, and music. It would have been incredibly difficult to embark on this journey by myself, so I had to reach out for help. With the help of my teacher, Mr. Gutkowski, I drafted an email to an Avenues parent asking them for guidance. I was once again surprised at the fact that I actually received an email back and even more so upon reading that they would be happy to help out. I am extremely grateful for all the help I received and don't know what I would have done without it.
Most impactful or memorable experience you had at Avenues?
Participating in Global Journeys to study environmental sustainability in Uruguay (9th grade) and astronomy/indigenous rights in Hawaii (11th grade).
#1 reason you'd recommend Avenues?
The diverse curriculum.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Innovative, adaptive, inclusive.
Andrea, Alumnus '20
Neighborhood
Chelsea
Current grade(s) of your children
Small World 2s, Kindergarten, Grade 2 & 5
Language Track
Mandarin
Languages spoken at home
English, French
Why did you choose Avenues?
Language immersion, no fundraising, the integration of technology into the curriculum, adaptive nature of the school— they’re willing to change if needed.
Favorite thing about Avenues
The community, the language program, teachers are strong and they love kids!
Lirette Family
College/University
Yale University
Neighborhood
Downtown Manhattan
Previous school
San José, Argentina
Grade started at Avenues
9
Language track
Spanish
Academic interests
English, language arts.
Extracurricular involvements
Basketball, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Black Student Union, Latinx Student Union, WOCA (Women of Color Association), Service Learning Club, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Club, Model UN.
Favorite thing about Avenues
My favorite thing about Avenues is the faculty, and more specifically their willingness to support all of our needs. Whether it be through the daily office hours that all of the teachers provide or the ease in which we are able to reach out to any of the faculty when we're in doubt; I've never encountered such a high level of availability from the faculty, and regard for my personal improvement.
Place at Avenues you’ll most likely find me
You'll most likely find me on the 10th floor at the beautiful basketball court or studying on the 9th floor commons.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Welcoming, supportive, advanced.
Maliya, Alumna '23
College/University
Rice University
Academic interests
I love writing and discussing so my favorite class last year was English with Mr. Goodman.
Extracurricular involvements
School and club volleyball, school and club track & field, art, piano, volunteer work regarding food insecurity, leadership team of food & hunger advocacy club at Avenues, founder of a home and charity organizing business.
Memorable project, assignment, or experience
Last year I had half of the year to create a project that combined science, world course, English, and art. I ended up making, digitally publishing, and sharing three student-written books that can be read in three languages. These languages were: English + Spanish, English + Chinese, and English + Portuguese. We shared these books with Avenues São Paulo, Avenues Shenzhen, and Avenues NY through online read-alouds. We wanted to bring many communities from all over the world together by spreading awareness on the worldwide dilemma of the contaminated oceans. We created this project with the mission to impact the younger generations and inspire them to take action and make change. We built stronger bonds with the students from every Avenues campus and truly lived up to Avenues’ core values. Our website is www.planetoverplastics.org if you want to learn more and read the digital book!
Favorite Avenues Tradition
My favorite Avenues tradition is the Global Journeys trips. I have taken one to Italy, Brazil (for volleyball at the São Paulo campus), and Guatemala. They have all been very memorable and life-changing.
Something I didn’t know I liked until I came to Avenues
When I left my old school after 3rd grade I was so scared because I didn’t know what to expect. The number one thing I remember from my first year at Avenues were my teachers. I had never spoken a word of Spanish in my life and this uncertainty frightened me. But my Spanish teacher, along with my main teacher Ms. Crawford, made me feel at home. I never spoke up at my old school in fear of being judged but after I came to Avenues I found my voice. I also discovered confidence and other characteristics I never knew I had. I didn’t know that I would look forward to going to school, working on projects, and talking comfortably with my peers and teachers. I was surprised by the way they taught us because I finally understood and didn’t dread doing school work. Avenues has helped make me the person I am today and I know without a doubt I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without Avenues. I didn’t know the amount of gratitude and love I have for my teachers and school.
Kaia, Alumna '23
College/University
University of St Andrews
Grade started at Avenues
4
Language track
Mandarin
Academic interests
Physics, mathematics, chemistry.
Extracurricular involvements
Spice Club, Asian Awareness, Student Ambassador, International Student Council.
Memorable project, assignment, or experience
In 10th grade, I went on a trip to Shenzhen, China as a part of the Mastery Academy. With students from the São Paulo campus, my team designed and built a 3D printer from scratch.
Favorite Avenuess tradition
Days of Seniors.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Adventurous, novel, fun.
Krishan, Alumnus '21
Neighborhood
Current grade(s) of your children
Grade 5 & Grade 9
Language Track
Spanish
Languages spoken at home
English, Arabic, French
Why did you choose Avenues?
We really liked the global nature of the school. The bi-lingual program combined with challenging academics is a true asset.
Favorite thing about Avenues
The community of families is great.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Global, inclusive, high-tech.
Smith Family
Neighborhood
Chelsea
Current grade of your child
Grade 6
Previous school before Avenues
Montessori at Flatiron
Language Track
Mandarin
Languages spoken at home
English, Korean
Why did you choose Avenues?
We believe in the power of bilingual education - it adds depth and complexity to the child’s thoughts and perspectives.
Favorite thing about Avenues
Bilingual education; Dr. Glazer’s 3rd-grade math club; constructive parent community; school’s thoughtful and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Global, innovative, caring.
Kim Family
Neighborhood
Downtown Manhattan
Current grade of your child
Grade 7
Language Track
Spanish
Languages spoken at home
English
Why did you choose Avenues?
We loved Avenues for many reasons, but our daughter is LatinX and so the Spanish immersion sealed the deal.
Favorite thing about Avenues
Our daughter's experience in the classroom has been consistently phenomenal, year in and year out.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Impressive, comprehensive, caring.
Catone Family
College/University
Boston College
Neighborhood
Downtown Manhattan
Previous school
Knightsbridge School
Grade started at Avenues
5
Language track
Spanish
Academic interests
Humanities, Spanish, sciences, art.
Extracurricular involvements
Avenues Ambassadors, Student Council, Food and Hunger Advocacy Club, Model UN, International Student Council, Tennis
#1 reason I’d recommend Avenues
The community of kind, welcoming, and driven students and faculty.
Favorite Avenues tradition
The World's Fair.
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Open, global-minded, innovative.
Martin, Alumnus '22
Neighborhood
Queens
Current grade of your child
Grade 10
Previous school before Avenues
PS 118- Brooklyn
Language Track
Mandarin
Languages spoken at home
English
Why did you choose Avenues?
We chose Avenues because on the tour my son felt welcomed by the students. We loved the world and language focus. It felt right from the moment we stepped into the building.
Favorite thing about Avenues
The teachers and staff!
Three words you’d use to describe Avenues
Welcoming, innovative, flexible.
Leveille Family
College/University:
Stanford University
Major:
Political Science
Plans for after graduation:
Public office
How did Avenues prepare you for college?
Avenues taught me to always be open-minded and flexible in whatever I did. This is something that has helped me a lot so far this year as a college freshman.
What is the most valuable skill you developed at Avenues?
Definitely my discussion skills! By being encouraged to voice my opinions in my classes, I learned how to synthesize and express my thoughts in an effective way.
What did you enjoy most about being part of the Avenues community?
The unconditional support from faculty, staff, and peers who wanted to see me succeed in anything that I pursued.
Favorite thing about Avenues
The wide array of opportunities that extend outside of the classroom, such as the Mastery program, Global Journeys trips, 5th Term, and club experiences.
Nicole, Alumna '20
Get in touch
Bobbe Fernando
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
admissions-ny@avenues.org
Bobbe joined Avenues in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in college admissions both at home and abroad. Prior to joining Avenues, served in a variety of roles at New York University (NYU), most recently as the senior director of global admissions, covering NYU’s campuses in New York, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and various study-away sites around the world. In that capacity, she managed a highly-selective admissions review process for thousands of students. Under her leadership, NYU saw an increase in international enrollment and diversity and an increase from 13% to 25% over ten years in non-U.S. citizens in the incoming freshman class.
Bobbe earned a master’s degree in global affairs with a concentration in international relations from NYU and a bachelor’s degree in applied social studies and English from the University of York, UK.
Bobbe Fernando
Janie Ruiz Yang
Director of Small World, ELC and Lower Division Admissions
janie.ruizyang@avenues.org
Growing up between Taiwan and the United States, Janie was inspired by her mother, a Spanish-language educator, to pursue a B.A. in Spanish at Fu Jen University in Taiwan. After working as an early childhood educator in Taipei, Janie received an M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University, followed by two years of teaching at an international school in Moscow, Russia. When Janie first learned of Avenues, with its global focus and emphasis on Chinese and Spanish language immersion, she knew this was the school and community for her. Janie started her Avenues career as a Chinese kindergarten teacher in 2013 and subsequently joined the admissions team in 2015. She's also now the proud mother of two children attending Avenues on the Chinese track.
Janie Ruiz Yang
Christina Chang
Associate Director of Small World, ELC and Lower Division Admissions
christina.chang@avenues.org
Christina was born in Boston and grew up in Taiwan attending international schools. As an undergraduate at NYU, she began teaching Chinese and music to young children of all backgrounds, which inspired her to pursue an M.A. in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Christina spent 10 years leading an early childhood Mandarin immersion program in Tribeca. Prior to joining Avenues in 2021, Christina also worked closely with the NYC Department of Education’s Early Childhood Education Department.
Christina Chang
Beth Formidoni
Assistant Director of Small World, ELC and Lower Division Admissions
elizabeth.formidoni@avenues.org
Beth first joined Avenues in 2012 as a member of the parent community, and her three children currently attend Avenues. Since 2018, Beth has worked with the admissions office as a tour guide and parent ambassador, as well as a part-time interviewer. Previously, Beth worked as a chef and as an attorney, both in New York City. Beth grew up in New Jersey and attended Washington and Lee University for both undergraduate and law school.
Beth Formidoni
Brianna Busse
Assistant for ELC and Lower Division Admissions
brianna.busse@avenues.org
Brianna grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating with a BFA in musical theatre performance from Southeast Missouri State University, she made the drive from her college town of Cape Girardeau to New York City in 2021, continuing to pursue a career in the arts. She joined the admissions office as an assistant in the fall of 2023. Passionate about creating efficient patron experiences, she is grateful for the tools she's acquired, prior to joining Avenues, working in guest relations and production.