Wellness In the Schools

For several years West Prep has partnered with Wellness In the Schools (WITS) to bring in healthy options for lunch and an alternative menu as well as structured physical activity during recess.  

WITS has provided our school with two staff members: an on site chef, and a recess coach.  Our chef and coach have been working with our school staff to introduce healthy lifestyle into our school culture. Wellness in the Schools (WITS) inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness as a way of life for kids in public schools.

Urban Advantage Science Partner

West Prep is an UA (Urban Advantage) science partner meaning that we have access to learning at 8 of New York City’s leading cultural institutions — including museums, zoos, and botanical gardens!  This allows our science teachers to provide the best hands on activities at NYC's most famous museums.

Because of this partner we also attend free family fun science days at the Hall of Science, Bronx Zoo, or Museum of Natural History.  In addition, each student receives several free museum passes to any of the museums listed below in the city. 

Participating institutions include: the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the New York Botanical Garden, the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Botanical Garden, the Staten Island Zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium, and the New York City Department of Education, with leadership funding from the New York City Council.

Morningside Center for teaching Social Responsi​bility

West Prep has collaborated with the Morningside Center to support transformative change for every child.

Together with our educators, they help us create a joyful, productive, and equitable schools by weaving together three approaches:

1.) Social Emotional Learning: Young people and adults learn and practice skills to help them do well in school and in life.

​

2.) Restorative Practices: Young people stay connected through processes that foster a caring and equitable school community.

​

3.) Racial Equity: School staff increase their cultural competency and ensure that school systems and structures elevate every child.

Morningside Center works hand in hand with educators to build students' social and emotional skills, strengthen the classroom and school community, and make our schools more caring and equitable through restorative practices and brave conversations on race.
 

​

Project Witness

Project Witness, a nonprofit Holocaust resource center, hosts thought-provoking Holocaust assemblies for West Prep every year.  Students learn about the Holocaust first hand from an actual survivor, and have the unique opportunity to ask questions about their experience. 

This assembly provides students with information about the holocaust and its relevance to their lives today while helping they to understand how important it is to counter discrimination and prejudice. 

Project Witness offers groundbreaking resources for Holocaust education on  the spiritual, ethical, and intellectual responses of Holocaust survivors and victims.

By focusing on the character, identity, and faith of survivors and victims alike, Project Witness serves to ensure that their legacy guides us and future generations toward a more hopeful future.