Get to know TYWLS!

The Young Women's Leadership School of Staten Island opened in the Fall of 2022 with two 6th grade classes. The school will grow to eventually enroll students in grades 6-12.

The Young Women's Leadership School (TYWLS) of Staten Island will join a family of five other TYWLS schools in New York City, the first of which was established in 1996: TYWLS of Astoria, Brooklyn, the Bronx, East Harlem, and Queens. Our schools center the experiences of girls and gender-expansive youth. We welcome students of all academic abilities, offer deep social/emotional learning opportunities for all students, and introduce a comprehensive college guidance program, the CollegeBound Initiative, when the school grows to include 10th grade. Our classroom instruction, climate, and school culture centers around 11 effective practices in girls' education (practices such as voice, culturally responsive pedagogy, and courage cultivation) that provide opportunities for students to strengthen six competencies: leadership, self-advocacy, identity, self- regard, academic preparedness, and growth mindset. And all aspects of our school model are anchored in our four pillars of programming: Leadership, Health & Wellness, College Access, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Call 929-560-8052 and find out how you can enroll your child in grades 6-10 today!

Our Vision:

At The Young Women’s Leadership School of Staten Island, students will be equipped to learn and create in this ever-changing world. Students will give back and inspire those around them by using what they have mastered. TYWLS scholars will leave a legacy because they will create and innovate to positively impact the people and communities that they encounter.

Our Mission:

The Young Women’s Leadership School of Staten Island (TYWLS of Staten Island) was established to nurture the intellectual curiosity and creativity of young women and to address their developmental needs. Learning is dynamic and participatory, enabling students to experience great success on many levels, especially in science, mathematics, and technology. Every TYWLS student is college bound. Nearly 100% of The Young Women’s Leadership Schools' graduates attend college. Students of TYWLS of Staten Island will grow academically and emotionally into leaders of their school, community, and the world. TYWLS strives to work with families to instill in all students a sense of community, responsibility, and ethical principles of behavior- characteristics that will help to make them leaders of their generation. Through exposure to technology, engagement in community service, and participation in action-research and interdisciplinary projects, students will elevate their voices and take responsibility for their community. At TYWLS of Staten Island, parents are partners and together we will support the experience as each leader is cultivated in Staten Island.

Meet Principal Aisha Shepard

Leading with gratitude is key! In my 15th year in education, I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead a school of young women leaders as they build even stronger integrity, successfully innovate and ultimately impact their school, their community and the world.

Founding an all- girls school is a dream come true. All-girls education magnifies how sisterhood is cultivated. In TYWLS’ first year our school community celebrated our inaugural year by having a successful summer bridge program, creating a student council to advocate for student voice, impressing former Chancellor Banks with our affirmation event which included vision boards and finishing off the year strong with a fun-filled field day. I believe in being present, having integrity, working hard and taking feedback from mentors and those around you while making your dreams become a reality. This is the beginning of an amazing journey and I am grateful to be on this journey with all of you.

Page updated

Report abuse