Validus Preparatory Academy

Validus Preparatory Academy is a small public high school in the south Bronx, New York. Founded in 2005, Validus currently^[when?] enrolls 432 students in grades 9–12.

Validus Preparatory Academy
Address
1595 Bathgate Avenue Bronx , New York 10457 United States
Coordinates	40°50′24″N 73°54′06″W
Information
Motto	"Strong Mind. Strong Body."
Established	2005
School district	New York City Geographic District # 9
School number	X263
Principal	Christopher Hibbert
Teaching staff	20.0 (as of 2007–08)[1]
Grades	9–12
Enrollment	336 (as of 2007–08)[1]
Student to teacher ratio	16.8 (as of 2007–08)[1]
Color(s)	Black, Purple, Gray
Athletics	Baseball, JV Baseball, Softball, Cross Country, Wrestling
Mascot	Bathgate Bulldogs
Nickname	VPA
Team name	Bathgate Bulldogs
Website	http://www.validusprep.org/

History

Validus Prep was initially supported through a Gates Foundation grant to partner with New York City Outward Bound to create small learning communities in New York City.

Campus

The campus houses its own municipal purpose center, library and all classes are centered around a glass atrium in the main hall.

Curriculum

The school follows the state curriculum, incorporating curriculum from Expeditionary learning schools Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound. The curriculum is very challenging and contains leadership classes to enhance students leadership potential. Validus students were featured in an MSNBC video speaking about the challenges of a presidential election.^[2]

Extracurricular activities

All ninth graders attend a week-long Outward Bound experience in the fall at Sharpe Reservation at Harriman State Park to build character, teamwork and leadership skills. All Students in Validus are put in groups of 10-15 student groups called crews; Crews are headed by Validus teachers who act as personal guidance counselors. All Crews are involved in a crew challenge called crew Olympics where they compete against one another to become Crew Champions.