Mr. Angelo Ledda, Founding Principal
About Us
The Academy for Personal Leadership and Excellence was founded in 2010 by Principal Angelo Ledda. It is located in the Elizabeth Barrett Browning Educational Campus in the Fordham section of the Bronx. The building houses a state-of-the-art dance room, fitness center, and newly renovated swimming pool. The school’s playground is equipped with six basketball hoops and one full court. At A.P.L.E, a variety of educational workshops, community events, morning and afternoon programs for students and parents, Saturday Academy and thematic assemblies are offered.
The Academy for Personal Leadership and Excellence (A.P.L.E.) provides students with the opportunities to contribute in community service learning projects alongside caring mentors. It is through various, tech-based platforms, such as SMART boards, iPads and the World Wide Web that the students are able to showcase their projects. The students at A.P.L.E. feel fortunate to have the opportunity to choose from a variety of special programs and enrichment classes that peak their interests.
The parents of our A.P.L.E students feel confident knowing that the school’s educational commitment is to create the leaders of tomorrow, and socially aware scholars through the Common Core Learning Standards Academic program. The individualized attention students receive from nurturing teachers, whose goal is to mold the young minds of every student into creative and curious thinkers, ensures parents that their children are in good hands. We are a special breed, who play a multitude of different roles in a given day with fluidity and grace.
Lastly, at A.P.L.E, we firmly believe in the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Leadership. It is through encouraging dialogue with teachers, administrators, other staff members within a supportive environment, that students have no doubt that A.P.L.E is a safe haven where hard work, commitment to excellence every day, articulates what the school strives to achieve. Every student can soar beyond any imagined limits!
Our Mission
As the core Mission, the Academy is committed to develop socially conscious leaders of the future, in a safe learning environment where students can take risks, achieve academic success, and demonstrate social responsibility. Staff will implement a rigorous, standards-based curriculum with a community service component. This will empower students to develop their role in society.
Our Equity Goal
As a community of diverse learners, MS 363 will foster a culture of open-mindedness, compassion and inclusiveness. MS 363 will create and maintain equal opportunities for engagement, education and discourse related to issues of equity, diversity and inclusion for all stakeholders. Through collaborative discussion, students and staff will experience a safe environment in which they can develop their voices to address current social justice issues.
Our Vision
The Vision of The Academy for Personal Leadership and Excellence is to improve student performance so that students will positively impact the community through leadership, respect, and responsibility. The students will acquire the tools they need to develop their highest intellectual, social and personal potential.