Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design
Encyclopedia
The Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design, commonly called WHSAD, Architecture and Design or A&D, is a 9-12th grade college preparatory high school committed to developing students as imaginative critical thinkers. A&D is a New York City public high school that specializes in the integration of architecture
, design
, and historic preservation
into its classes.
WHSAD's Historic Preservation program provides training in the preservation trades and related professions such as architecture, conservation, engineering, and city planning. It is the only high school in the United States with a four-year comprehensive historic preservation curriculum.
WHSAD was named the top 5th ranked school out of all 422 New York City public high schools, based on the 2010 High School Progress Reports, placing it in the top 99% of all high schools city-wide with a score of 100.2 and a grade of A. WHSAD also received a grade of A on their 2009 Progress Report.
WHSAD is part of a larger complex, the Harry Van Arsdale campus, and shares the building with two other schools: Williamsburg Prep and Brooklyn Prep. WHSAD is located mainly on the second floor, with some classrooms on the third and fifth floors. It is a small school, as such the teacher-student ratio is significantly less than that of larger public schools.
In addition to the regular curriculum, students can learn Spanish with Ms. Chickedantz (who is also the coordinator of student activities) and have the option of taking a design class with Ms. Moos, or an architectural class with Mr. Pollack. The difference is that the design
class focuses more on art and creativity, while the architecture
class focuses on using CAD software to design structures. A favorite class for many students is Mr. Jones' Engineering techniques class, but it is very selective.
There are also advanced classes including:
During the summer 2010, WHSAD students served as PAID interns at the following organizations:
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
, design
Design
Design as a noun informally refers to a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system while “to design” refers to making this plan...
, and historic preservation
Historic preservation
Historic preservation is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance...
into its classes.
WHSAD's Historic Preservation program provides training in the preservation trades and related professions such as architecture, conservation, engineering, and city planning. It is the only high school in the United States with a four-year comprehensive historic preservation curriculum.
WHSAD was named the top 5th ranked school out of all 422 New York City public high schools, based on the 2010 High School Progress Reports, placing it in the top 99% of all high schools city-wide with a score of 100.2 and a grade of A. WHSAD also received a grade of A on their 2009 Progress Report.
WHSAD is part of a larger complex, the Harry Van Arsdale campus, and shares the building with two other schools: Williamsburg Prep and Brooklyn Prep. WHSAD is located mainly on the second floor, with some classrooms on the third and fifth floors. It is a small school, as such the teacher-student ratio is significantly less than that of larger public schools.
Academics
WHSAD is preparatory school that was created as part of the New Visions for Public Schools program. It specializes in architecture and design courses that teach students how to draw architectural plans, make 3D computer models using CAD software and create 3D models using cardboard, wood, etc. Most schools offering architecture don't make it available until junior year but at WHSAD students dive into the subject as freshmen.In addition to the regular curriculum, students can learn Spanish with Ms. Chickedantz (who is also the coordinator of student activities) and have the option of taking a design class with Ms. Moos, or an architectural class with Mr. Pollack. The difference is that the design
Design
Design as a noun informally refers to a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system while “to design” refers to making this plan...
class focuses more on art and creativity, while the architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
class focuses on using CAD software to design structures. A favorite class for many students is Mr. Jones' Engineering techniques class, but it is very selective.
There are also advanced classes including:
- AP Calculus AB
- AP English Language and CompositionAP English Language and CompositionAdvanced Placement English Language and Composition is a course and examination offered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement Program....
- AP United States HistoryAP United States HistoryAdvanced Placement United States History is a course and examination offered by the College Board as part of the Advanced Placement Program...
Partnerships
Our students are offered valuable experience in the fields of architecture and engineering through our workbased learning program. We have developed partnerships with several local institutions and companies including NJIT, MOMA, Pratt Institute, Turner Construction and the ACE Mentorship Program. Our architecture and engineering students have the opportunity to work and gain practical experience in the operation and current trends of their chosen fields.During the summer 2010, WHSAD students served as PAID interns at the following organizations:
- A. Ottavino Stoneworks
- Aurora Lampworks
- Bartow-Pell Mansion MuseumBartow-Pell MansionThe Bartow-Pell Mansion is a New York City landmark and museum located in northern portion of Pelham Bay Park in The Bronx. Originally the Robert and Marie Lorillard Bartow House, the residence and estate date back to 1654. The Lords of the Manor of Pelham once owned the home which was later...
- Historic House Trust, New York City
- Green-Wood CemeteryGreen-Wood CemeteryGreen-Wood Cemetery was founded in 1838 as a rural cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County , New York. It was granted National Historic Landmark status in 2006 by the U.S. Department of the Interior.-History:...
- Landmark West!
- Park Avenue Armory
- World Monuments FundWorld Monuments FundWorld Monuments Fund is a private, international, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic architecture and cultural heritage sites around the world through fieldwork, advocacy, grantmaking, education, and training....
Extracurricular activities
Include, but are not limted too:- Student Government
- Yearbook Committee
- Peer Tutoring
- Drama Club
- Step/Dance Club
- Fine Arts Club
- Chess Club
- Yoga Club
- Handball
- DrumlineDrumlineA drumline is a section of percussion instruments usually played as part of a musical marching ensemble. High school and college marching bands, drill and drum corps, drum and bugle corps, indoor percussion ensembles, and pipe bands usually incorporate drumlines; however, drumlines can exist...
- Boys/Girls BasketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
team - Boys/Girls Volleyball team
- Boys Baseball
- Girls Softball
- Boys/Girls Track
- Weightlifting
- Talent Show
- College Now
- Ace Mentor Program
External links
- Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design School Website
- HopStop.com Directions to Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design
- Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design, Department of Education
- Department of Education School Portal for Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design