Cost
Free
Frederick Douglass Academy VIII Middle School SONYC Program
Free SONYC afterschool program serving grades 6-8 in East New York, Brooklyn, run by New York Edge with project-based learning and whole-child education
The mission of New York Edge is to help bridge the opportunity gap among underserved students by providing programs designed to improve academic performance, health and wellness, self-confidence, character, and attitudes for success in life. New York Edge uses a project-based curriculum that enables students to learn in a supportive, outcome-driven setting. The standardized lesson plans cater to and focus on educating the whole child through guided facilitation, group projects, and hands-on workshops.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11239 |
| Borough | Brooklyn (East New York) |
| Provider | New York Edge, Inc. |
| Website | newyorkedge.org |
| Phone | (212) 982-4676 |
Age Range
Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
Category
Youth Development
Frederick Douglass Academy VIII SONYC program offers comprehensive programming including:
- Project-Based Learning: Hands-on projects that connect learning to real-world applications
- Academic Performance: Support designed to improve grades and test scores
- Health & Wellness: Physical fitness, nutrition education, and healthy habits
- Self-Confidence: Activities that build self-esteem and positive self-image
- Character Development: Building integrity, responsibility, and values
- Guided Facilitation: Supportive instructors who scaffold learning experiences
- Group Projects: Collaborative learning that builds teamwork skills
- Hands-On Workshops: Active learning through doing and creating
- Whole Child Education: Addressing academic, physical, social, and emotional needs
New York Edge has been transforming the lives of underserved youth since 1979. What began as a single tennis program has grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive afterschool organizations in New York City, serving over 30,000 students annually at more than 100 schools across all five boroughs.
Mission & Vision: New York Edge works to bridge the opportunity gap for under-resourced students by providing high-quality afterschool and summer camp programs. The organization believes that all young people deserve access to enriching experiences that help them discover their passions, develop their talents, and achieve their full potential.
Project-Based Learning Approach: New York Edge’s curriculum is built on project-based learning principles:
- Real-World Connection: Projects linked to authentic problems and challenges
- Student Choice: Participants have voice in selecting and designing projects
- Inquiry-Based: Learning driven by questions and investigation
- Collaborative: Students work together toward common goals
- Hands-On: Active learning through creating, building, and doing
- Reflection: Time to think about what worked and what was learned
Core Program Components:
- Academic Excellence: Literacy, STEM, and homework support
- Healthy Habits: Nutrition education and physical fitness
- Arts & Culture: Visual arts, performing arts, and creative expression
- Leadership Development: Character building and civic engagement
- Career Exploration: Exposure to diverse career pathways
Whole Child Philosophy: New York Edge addresses multiple dimensions of development:
- Academic: Building knowledge and skills for school success
- Physical: Promoting health, fitness, and wellness
- Social: Developing positive relationships and communication
- Emotional: Building resilience, self-regulation, and confidence
- Character: Fostering values, integrity, and responsibility
Evidence-Based Practices: Research shows New York Edge participants:
- Improve their grades and test scores
- Have better school attendance
- Demonstrate increased self-confidence
- Develop stronger social-emotional skills
- Are more likely to graduate high school and attend college
Standardized Curriculum: New York Edge uses research-backed lesson plans that:
- Align with learning standards
- Follow a consistent structure across sites
- Include built-in assessment and evaluation
- Can be adapted to meet local needs
- Ensure quality and effectiveness
The program at Frederick Douglass Academy VIII brings this proven, comprehensive approach to East New York, providing middle schoolers with engaging, project-based learning experiences that support their success in school and life.
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Check Eligibility Confirm your child is enrolled in grades 6-8 at Frederick Douglass Academy VIII Middle School.
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Contact the School Speak with school staff or New York Edge coordinators about SONYC enrollment.
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Complete Application Fill out enrollment forms with student and family information.
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Submit Documentation Provide required documents including emergency contacts and medical information.
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Attend Orientation Participate in program orientation to learn about project-based learning and expectations.
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Start Participating Begin attending daily afterschool programming.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- New York Edge enrollment form
- Student information sheet
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information and consent forms
- School enrollment verification
- Photo/media release form
- Code of conduct agreement
Frederick Douglass Academy VIII is accessible via multiple transit options:
- Subway: 3 train to Pennsylvania Avenue (2-minute walk)
- Bus: B12, B15, B17, B20, B47, B83 serve the East New York area
- Located in East New York with good transit connectivity
Parks & Recreation
Highland Park and Linden Park offer playgrounds, sports facilities, and green space nearby
Library
New Lots Library at 665 New Lots Avenue provides books, programs, and study space
Healthcare
Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and community health centers serve the area
Community Services
Multiple New York Edge programs and community resources throughout East New York
Last Updated: November 25, 2025