In an effort to prepare better principals to take on troubled schools, Mayor Bloomberg inspired the creation of the corporate-style Leadership Academy to train a new generation of leaders.
Six years later, about 15 percent of all principals working for the city Department of Education are graduates of the academy.
They participate in a 14-month boot-camp-style “Aspiring Principals Program” that simulates the challenges faced by a school leader and pairs trainees with veteran principals for a year of on-the-job insights.
Many graduates are then assigned to low-performing schools.
The academy — a not-for-profit, tax-exempt entity initially established with $80 million in donations from business leaders and private foundations — has grown and taken on a larger role, becoming involved in training all principals.
Last year, the city Department of Education entered into a five-year, $50 million contract with the academy for extensive training of all school leaders.
“So now that the results are in and we know the program works, it is time to apply to bring the best method of training to all of New York City’s school leaders,” Bloomberg said when the contract was awarded.
As of January, 93 percent of 336 academy graduates are working for the Department of Education. And 78 percent, or 228 grads, are principals — with the rest serving in other leadership positions.