Expeditionary Learning School
for Community Leaders

Developing the Mind, Body and Spirit of Leaders

Lafayette Campus
2630 Benson Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11214

Principal: Sarah E. Weeks

Tel: 718 333 7700
Fax: 718 333 7725

Apply to enroll [School code L34A]
Apply for staff openings
Directions to our school

The Expeditionary Learning School for Community Leaders (Leaders), a small college preparatory school in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn opening in September 2007, supports students in grades 6-12 in aiming for high levels of academic and personal achievement. It is a nurturing school community where students of all backgrounds, abilities and interests are safe to learn and succeed, and to be positive agents for change outside our school walls. We believe that all students can achieve the academic and personal success required to become effective leaders in their communities, and of themselves. Our school community’s team of staff, students, families and other partners sets high academic and character standards for each student, while providing personal support to help them meet those standards. 

Leaders prepares students for success in college and careers using the Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound model. It provides an active, inquiry-based curriculum including field research and the presentation of work to public audiences at student learning conferences. Rigorous academic courses examine topics like “Leaders in Literature” and “Mathematic Models of Economic Development,” and include projects that draw on relevant, real-world issues such as the redevelopment of Coney Island. Frequent out-of-school learning experiences enrich academic coursework and open students’ minds to career possibilities. In a 5-day wilderness backpacking adventure, students begin to develop the resilience of a leader. That continues through service learning in crews, a daily advisory and leadership course. Students at Leaders will have many opportunities to engage actively with community issues, both inside and outside of school, to promote leadership development.

All students will document their growth and achievement in academics, service, fitness and the arts in an electronic portfolio, evaluated by a panel of teachers, students, parents, community members and partners each year to assess his/her progress toward graduation requirements. Ninth graders at Leaders will complete a year-long, interdisciplinary Community Leadership Project with their crews. As tenth graders, students will develop their own Community Leadership Project, in pairs or small groups, by identifying  an area of need in their community, developing an intervention plan and writing a grant application for funds to implement it. Student service projects will be integrated into core academic courses to meet state standards. Such rich, varied experiences will provide opportunities to develop their intellectual capacities and personal passions, make informed decisions, and function with comfort and confidence in a variety of situations. By learning and working within the community, students will gain skills and knowledge that enable them to make a positive difference close to home.

For information on student enrollment or faculty and staff openings, contact Sarah Weeks, principal.