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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, especially in our Upper Division. 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
Neighborhood where you live?
Brooklyn
What's your language track?
Spanish
What is one of your most memorable Avenues project or experience?
Page to Stage in 6th grade with Ms.Chadha! We adapted a book into a stage production that our class wrote, directed and starred in. The costumes and performance were off-broadway worthy. I also loved our field trip to Adventure Park in 7th grade.
What is your favorite thing about Avenues?
J-term is my favorite time of year. We are able to learn about specific topics of interest. And the people. I have made friends at Avenues that are curious, courageous and exciting. Friends that I probably couldn't meet anywhere else. Friends that I hope to have for a lifetime.
Describe Avenues in 3 words
Rigorous, Innovative, Fun
Bonét, Grade 7
Neighborhood?
New Jersey
What's your language track?
Spanish
What is one of your most memorable Avenues project or experience?
In my freshman year, for our unit on the Odyssey, we read Homer's The Odyssey and hosted a mock trial on Odysseus as our unit-end project. The experience playing the role of a pivotal character (Athena) and facing both direct and cross examination helped me learn not only the traditional reading and writing skills, as well as develop the appreciation for classics, but also taught me public speaking & extemporaneous speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration and preparation skills.
What is your favorite thing about Avenues?
My favorite thing about Avenues is the community, especially the faculty. Everyone at Avenues is passionate about their unique interests and are always open to learning new ideas. With student-run clubs, interest-based electives, and programs such as J-Term, there is never a shortage of space to broaden one's horizons, meet new people, and create amazing projects. Personally, I am the Chief of Staff for Hi, Science, a STEM magazine that aims to "make science more accessible, engaging, and inspiring for those who find it hard not to fall asleep in Chemistry class." Additionally, with the support of the Avenues Institute for Mathematics (AIAM), my peers and I are creating a math competition open to all Avenues students in grades 6-12, an event we hope to host yearly.
Describe Avenues in 3 words
Innovative, compassionate, unique
Kylan, Grade 10
Neighborhood?
Bronx
What's your language track?
Spanish
What is one of your most memorable Avenues project or experience?
World 10 - The time I worked on a podcast and website about the effect that censorship on public education and book bannings will have on liberal democracy. I interviewed activists and superintendent of public education in Long Island.
What is your favorite thing about Avenues?
The teachers and staff!
Describe Avenues in 3 words
Innovative, Collaborative, Diverse
Aulanee, Grade 11
Hometown
McLean, Virginia
Degrees and schooling
Bachelor of Arts in English (Pre-Education & Creative Writing) Minor in Leadership and Social Change, Virginia Tech
Masters of Arts in the Teaching of English, Teachers College, Columbia University
Division you teach
Middle Grades
Years of teaching experience
9 years with 4 years at Avenues
Describe your teaching philosophy
I believe students learn best when they grapple with material through multiple, diverse learning modalities, as this allows them to develop nuanced insights on the topic. Specifically, I have learned that collaboration among the Humanities department is crucial to student learning and growth. For example, instead of just learning about the Holocaust in history class through a teacher’s lecture, class discussion, or textbook excerpt, students need to read about it in English class through Josef’s words in Refugee by Alan Gratz, a novel about three childrens’ search for refuge. Students need to engage in a silent gallery walk on Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, in order to see the images of destroyed property that night. They need to read first-hand stories about those who lived during that time period and engage in dialogue over whose right is it to share and embody such stories, exploring whether we can give justice to such events through our own imagination and perspective work. This intersectionality helps students view topics and people, both in events and novels, as multifaceted and complex, enabling students to create their own informed opinions along the way.
How is Avenues' approach to teaching and learning different from other schools that you've worked in?
A lot of schools emphasize collaboration, but Avenues is the first school I've been at that actually provides the time and space for it.
How would you describe Avenues students?
Energetic and excited to learn.
How is Avenues preparing students for an uncertain future?
Having Crew allows us the time and flexibility to talk to our students about current events and ways to make a difference in age-appropriate ways that feel right to our group of students.
Ms. Chadha
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
Hometown
Commack, NY
Degrees and schooling
BS Mathematics, SUNY@Stony Brook
BS Physics, SUNY@Stony Brook
MS Physics, SUNY@New Paltz
Years of teaching experience
34 years with 8 years at Avenues
Division you teach
Upper Grades
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Avenues?
At Avenues I (and my colleagues) are given full support to work together in a fully organic, bottom-up way to make the time students spend in class feel like there are no walls. After all, the idea of "walled-up-knowledge" is about as far away from how the real world operates...why would a school ever act otherwise?
How is Avenues' approach to teaching and learning different from other schools that you've worked in?
When students get a clear message that how to think is much more important than what to think, they immediately begin adopting a more proactive stance with regard to their work ethic, their curiosity, and their motivation to center their learning and growth not toward a "test score" but instead toward becoming a positive causal agent in the greater community.
How do you challenge and support your students?
Real-world problems. Real-world scenarios. Real-world challenges!
Mr. Tappe
Neighborhood?
Downtown Manhattan
What's your language track?
Spanish
What is one of your most memorable Avenues project or experience?
6th grade was a big year. We were finally returning to in person school and recovering from the drastic changes from the pandemic. It was my first time in middle school, and I had no idea what to expect. We were placed in pods to prevent the spread of illnesses, and I was worried only to see a few familiar faces. Immediately, I was welcomed into that class, which made that year so special for me. Kids would stay back after school and make little puzzles called "piggy poozles" for us to solve in the morning. These were little scavenger hunts, that would take us all over the classroom, and create a great start to our day. I will never forget the kindness of both students and staff, and I was so lucky to be placed in such an incredible pod.
What is your favorite thing about Avenues?
The amazing community who are always ready to support you and help you grow.
Describe Avenues in 3 words
Community, Self-driven, Creative
Amita, Grade 9
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 where you live?
Chelsea
What's your language track?
Mandarin
What is one of your most memorable Avenues project or experience?
Project Nibbler with the Avenues R&D team stands out as a memorable project during my time at Avenues. We aimed to reduce single-use plastics and other waste products polluting the environment. Utilizing engineering, we were able to successfully develop an operational machine capable of transforming waste into practical household items like flowerpots. This project not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a pressing global issue but also embodied the core values of Avenues, where impactful learning and having fun converge seamlessly.
What is your favorite thing about Avenues?
My favorite thing about Avenues is how they support your passions. Ever since I was a kid, whether it be legos, snap circuits, or First Lego League, I have always been fascinated by engineering. At Avenues, I have many different ways to follow this passion, whether in robotics, mastery, talking to teachers, or the numerous other opportunities they provide.
Describe Avenues in 3 words
Supportive, Opportunities, Creativity
Zenchi, Grade 10
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
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
Midtown
Previous school
PS 212 Midtown West
Grade started at Avenues
Grade 6
Language track
Spanish
Academic interests
I'm interested in stocks, so I'm going to take part in the stock club.
Extracurricular involvements
Basketball
#1 reason I’d recommend Avenues
It has everything! It was overwhelming at first but then I realized how extraordinary it is and that I have time to pursue the things I’m interested in. If there’s something I’m interested in, Avenues has a class or club for that subject.
Place at Avenues you’ll most likely find me
You’ll either find me in the gym or in class, because I love basketball so in the morning I play every chance I get. During school hours I'm either in class or in the hallways during a break just talking with people. In the afternoon you'll probably see me back in the gym or on the 8th floor doing homework.
Allen, Grade 12
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Billy Hawkey
Director of Upper Division Admissions and Financial Aid
billy.hawkey@avenues.org
Prior to joining Avenues in 2019, Billy served as the assistant director of admissions and financial aid at The Pennington School, a day and boarding school located outside of Princeton, NJ. Previously, Billy volunteered in Peru, India, and Nepal with Coaches Across Continents, a non-profit organization that uses sport to create social impact in developing communities around the world. Billy majored in psychology at Connecticut College, where he was the captain and an All-American on the mens’ soccer team, and received his master's in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. He is fluent in Spanish.
Billy Hawkey
Carla Isley
Associate Director of Upper Division Admissions
carla.isley@avenues.org
Carla joined Avenues in 2017. In her work on the admissions team, Carla especially enjoys working closely with families and keeping in touch throughout their time at Avenues. She was fortunate to attend international schools while growing up in Buenos Aires and Hong Kong, which inspired a passion for global and bilingual education. Carla holds a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and art history from Colgate University.
Carla Isley
Sharrie Varroux-Renaud
Associate Director of Upper Division Admissions
sharrie.varroux-renaud@avenues.org
Sharrie joined Avenues in 2020 and has been particularly passionate about working on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on campus. She is originally from New Jersey, where she received a B.A. in political science and anthropology from William Paterson University (NJ) and an M.A. in public administration from Rutgers University (NJ). Before joining Avenues in fall 2020, Sharrie worked in advancement at The Spence School, and most recently worked on the admissions team at BASIS Independent Manhattan.
Sharrie Varroux-Renaud
Meghan Greene
Admissions Assistant
meghan.greene@avenues.org
Meghan joined Avenues New York in 2021 as the admissions assistant for Upper Division. Having worked as a teaching assistant and professional performer, Meghan has a passion for collaboration and individualized interpersonal communication. She received her B.A. in musical theatre performance from James Madison University.
