Academics play the central role in the ASA program.  Students are required to engage in meaningful and productive educational activities daily to encourage their continued academic growth and development. The Academic Center is a study hall environment, supervised by tutors who support ASA members with completion of school assignments and studying. Regents Prep offers structured classes to help students through the challenging 8th Grade citywide and NY State Regents tests required for graduation.

High School Placement

For 8th grade boys and their families, the complexities of the high school application process can seem daunting.  Each ASA member and his family are guided through the complex high school application process.  The BCNY After School Academy organizes activities to inform and support members and parents in this critical process.  At each of our three clubhouses, we hold High School Placement Information Sessions in which staff explain the application process for public, private and parochial high schools.  ASA offers preparatory classes for the TACHS, the catholic school admissions test. In the fall, ASA members in the 8th grade attend a Leadership Weekend at Camp Cromwell to review both the application process and the challenges of "moving up" to a more mature environment.  ASA works closely with BCNY’s Department of Independent School Placement, which places students in independent schools.

College Placement

Through a series of retreats at BCNY’s Camp Cromwell, trips to colleges and college fairs, visits from College Admissions officers, SAT Prep Classes (offered free-of-charge to ASA members), workshops and individualized counseling, ASA offers its members a comprehensive college placement experience.

BCNY Writers Series & Creative Writing Workshops

Cornel West: Writers' Series

The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) Writers Series features some of the nation’s most prominent and important authors speaking and reading to an audience of After School Academy participants.  Prior to the event, ASA members, explore the authors’ ideas, and craft in a rigorous manner. The series encourages ASA members to develop a love of reading and a propensity for reflection and thought.

To foster members’ creativity and literacy, Creative Writing Workshops provide ASA members an opportunity to work closely with established writers in creative writing workshops.  Members explore various genres of writing, through both writing and reading in a workshop format, with attempts to develop their own writing ability. 

SAT Prep

ASA members in the 10th and 11th grade prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) by taking our SAT Prep classes offered throughout the school year at no cost for ASA members.  Students take diagnostic exams, explore pertinent reading, quantitative and writing concepts and skills, and review critical test taking skills in order to improve their scores and expand their college options. 

Regents Prep

Regents Prep classes offers structured classes to help students through the challenging 8th Grade citywide and NY State Regents tests required for graduation.  The classes are taught by experienced educators familiar with the New York State learning standards and tests.  Classes are held weekly over three, eight-week cycles during the school year. 

Academic Center

The Academic Center is a study hall environment, supervised by tutors who support ASA members with completion of school assignments and studying.  The academic center is open daily Monday through Thursday during the school year, ensuring that every student has the appropriate environment and support to succeed in school.