WCLA
About WCLA
The World Cultures & Languages Academy (WCLA) was created with the intention of being a bridge Small Learning Community (SLC) for immigrant students. WCLA provides an academic program geared towards helping these students achieve excellence by responding to their unique needs. Our school has designed a rigorous instructional program, while at the same time providing our students and their parents with a supportive environment in their new country. The school identifies abilities, strengths, needs and interests, while offering programs that meet these needs. In addition to promoting academic and athletic excellence, our instructional program emphasizes important learning objectives such as the acquisition of English with an intensive English as a Second Language Program, the development of native language skills, and the appreciation of cultural diversity.
Supports, Resources, and Specialty Classes
Students are at the center of education in WCLA. Classes are structured to provide students with a more personalized learning environment in which the pace of and approach to instruction are uniquely tailored to meet the studentβs individual needs and interests. In order to ensure student success, we offer various programs, opportunities, and support services for both students and parents such as those listed below:
- English as a New Language (ENL) Programs: We offer bilingual Spanish and bilingual Bengali. Content classes are taught by bilingual teachers who speak the native language of the student. This way, students get the language support that is crucial to their academic success. For students who do not speak Bangla or Spanish, we also offer freestanding English as a Second Language (ESL) classes where students receive the support and differentiated scaffolds they require.
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE): LOTE classes offered are French, Spanish, and Bangla.
- Dictionaries and Glossaries: All ELLβs receive dictionaries and glossaries in their native language for the content area classes.
- Title III After School and Saturday Program: Tutoring is offered in various content level areas to prepare students for the Regents (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies).
- Advanced Placement (AP) Language & Culture Class: Students who complete the Spanish sequence of classes can be recommended to take the AP Language & Culture class.
- SEAL Of Biliteracy: Students will be prepped to take the New York State Seal of Biliteracy exam. The exam recognizes high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English by the time of graduation.
- CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) Through Queensborough Community College: CLIP is for entering freshmen who have already been admitted to CUNY and who need additional ESL classes before attending college. CLIP is also for students who have not been successful in their college ESL courses.
Clubs
- ASPIRA: Provides college access and leadership development to Hispanic students here at John Adams H.S. In addition, students are informed of scholarship opportunities, community service events, SAT prep classes, and college advisement.
- South Asian Students Organization (S.A.S.O): Helps Asian students avoid culture shock by engaging them in academically profitable cultural activities. In addition, students are able to integrate with the larger student community of John Adams High School as well as get the proper support they need through their assimilation process here in the United States.
Meet Our Team
World Cultures & Languages Academy
Director: Ms. Leonardoπ718-322-0520 π§dleonardo@schools.nyc.gov
Counselor: Ms. Rojas (Grades 9 & 10) π718-322-0514 π§crojas19@schools.nyc.gov
Counselor: Ms. Munoz (Grades 11 & 12) π718-322-0625 π§cmunoz16@schools.nyc.gov
Dean: Mrs. Jean-toussaint π718-322-0620 π§sjeantoussaint@schools.nyc.gov
