Academy for Young Writers: admissions and school facts
Academy for Young Writers (DBN 19K404) is a New York City public high school in East New York, Brooklyn with one admissions program. Admission: Educational Option (Ed. Opt.). Its average SAT is 824 (2024-25), against a median of 871.5 across NYC high schools. 88% of students graduate in four years.
- Programs
- 1
- Average SAT
- 824
- NYC median 871.5
- 4-year graduation
- 88%
- College and career rate
- 63%
- Students
- 366
- Applicants per seat
- 1
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How to get in
Seats and applicants are from the DOE directory for the Fall 2025 admissions round. Rules can change: confirm them on MySchools.
Educational Option (Ed. Opt.)L22A
Focus: Humanities & Interdisciplinary
Educational Option: the school takes students of mixed levels. About 16% of seats go to high-scoring students, 68% to mid-range and 16% to lower-scoring; a random number decides within each category.
75 seats · 56 applicants · 1 per seat
About the school
Young Writers is a small supportive community where excellent teaching, close relationships, and high expectations lead students to college and successful careers. We use a restorative approach to support student development, strengthen relationships and as an alternative to traditional discipline. Classes are student-centered and focus on developing reading, writing, discussion, and presentation skills. Ninth graders will end the year as a contributing author to a published book through 826NYC Publishing Company. Our students have the opportunity to be a part of the Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA) program, where they can apply for apprenticeships in tech, finance, and business, which allows them to earn up to $40,000 by the time they graduate. They also can earn up to 18 college credits through our partnership with College Now at New York City College of...
Courses and languages
Languages: Spanish
AP courses (5): English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Macroeconomics, United States Government and Politics, United States History
Sports and clubs
Girls: Basketball, Bowling, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Volleyball
Boys: Basketball, Bowling, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Volleyball
Clubs: Journalism Club, Bring Change to Mind Mental Health Awareness, Mi Gente Club, My Brother's Keeper, My Sister's Keeper, National Honor Society, Book publishing, Muslim Student Association (MSA), Mentor Through Literacy Book Club, Step Team, Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Film Club
Students
- Girls
- 54%
- English language learners
- 2%
- Students with disabilities
- 31%
- Economic need index
- 88%
- Asian
- 2%
- Black
- 65%
- Hispanic
- 29%
- White
- 1%
- Multi-racial
- 0%
- Native American
- 1%
What the school community says
Share of positive answers in the 2026 NYC School Survey. This is a DOE survey, not a rating from us.
- Students feel safe
- 77%
- Rigorous instruction
- 49%
- Supportive environment
- 51%
- Family and community ties
- 83%
Location and getting there
- Address
- 1065 Elton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208
- Neighborhood
- East New York
- Subway
- 3 to New Lots Av (0.8 mi); 3 to Van Siclen Av (0.9 mi)
- Bus
- B13, B20, B6, B83, B84, BM5, Q8
- School hours
- 9:00 AM – 3:38 PM
- Building access
- Fully Accessible
Where to check and ask
Common questions
How do you get into Academy for Young Writers?
Academy for Young Writers admits students through: Educational Option (Ed. Opt.). Families apply by ranking programs on one MySchools application; the application closes December 4, 2026 for fall 2027 entry.
How competitive is Academy for Young Writers?
In the Fall 2025 round the school’s programs had 1 applicants per seat. Your real chance also depends on your priority group and admissions method.
What is the average SAT at Academy for Young Writers?
The average SAT was 824 in 2024-25, compared with a median of 871.5 across NYC high schools (DOE data, students who took the test).
What is the graduation rate at Academy for Young Writers?
88% of students graduate in four years, and the college and career rate is 63% (DOE Fall 2025 directory).
Where is Academy for Young Writers and how do you get there?
The school is at 1065 Elton Street, Brooklyn. Subway: 3 to New Lots Av (0.8 mi); 3 to Van Siclen Av (0.9 mi). Bus: B13, B20, B6, B83, B84, BM5, Q8.
Other high schools nearby
Sources: NYC DOE Fall 2025 admissions directory, DOE InfoHub demographics 2025-26, SAT 2024-25, NYC School Survey. School Match is not affiliated with NYC Public Schools. How we calculate chances, and how accurate they are