{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence","outOfStateSupporters":40.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5670876,"projectId":4035460,"letterContent":"On behalf of everyone at MS363 and the children we serve, please accept our deepest gratitude for your generous donation. Your support is already making a profound difference, and we wanted to share exactly how your gift is changing lives.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, a child in our community is not just holding a new basketball or volleyball—they are holding a key to a brighter future. Your compassion has provided so much more than equipment; it has provided:\r\n\r\n* **A Safe Haven:** Your gift has created a positive outlet for children who face significant challenges. The courts are now buzzing with energy, giving them a safe place to be kids, to run, to laugh, and to forget their worries for a while.\r\n* **A Confidence Boost:** We wish you could see the proud smile of a child who makes their first basket or serves a volleyball perfectly. That moment of \"I did it!\" is a direct result of your generosity. You are building self-esteem that will help them succeed both on and off the court.\r\n* **A Lesson in Teamwork:** The balls you provided are bringing children together. They are learning to communicate, trust, and support one another. You haven't just funded sports equipment; you've helped build a community where every child feels like they belong.","fullyFundedDate":1555376751671,"projectUrl":"project/little-healthy-ballers/4035460/","projectTitle":"Little Healthy Ballers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Skountzos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5670876_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536504560455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5670876"},{"teacherId":8935775,"projectId":9254995,"letterContent":"The impact of this project has been tremendous for our team. With the new resources, our players have been able to train at a higher level than ever before. The equipment has given them the tools to sharpen their skills, compete with confidence, and most importantly, grow together as athletes. What once felt out of reach is now part of our everyday practices, and the excitement and energy this has created is incredible.\r\n\r\nBeyond the skills, these resources have helped us grow as a brotherhood and as a family. The players feel supported, valued, and motivated because they know that people believe in them enough to invest in their future. That feeling of equity of leveling the playing field has been powerful. We're not all the way there yet, but thanks to these donations, we're closing the gap and making progress every single day.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to keep building on this momentum. The players are using the equipment not only to get better individually, but also to work on team goals, strategies, and leadership. Each practice becomes a chance to push a little further, and we can't wait to see how far this journey takes us.","fullyFundedDate":1746451617354,"projectUrl":"project/help-bring-equity-to-baseball-in-the-bro/9254995/","projectTitle":"Help Bring Equity to Baseball in the Bronx!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cuevas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8935775"},{"teacherId":9808541,"projectId":9067797,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, our girls were able to enjoy their favorite snacks during our girls empowerment group! We created a snack cart for the girls so that they may grab a snack whenever they wanted one. Some students arrive at 7:30am and don't dismiss until after school around 5pm so having tasty snacks for the girls really made a big difference as far as their energy levels. We sometimes watch movies while we do our craft activities and they girls loved being able to snack while watching a movie and working on their craft projects. \r\n\r\nThe girls were super excited when they found out that we got so many donations. Many of the students grabbed 2 and 3 snacks which we encouraged. About half of our girls live in shelters so something as simple as extra snacks at the end of the school day makes them feel supported. We cannot thank you enough.\r\n\r\nWe hope to have more projects funded in the future as we continue to grow our program and help create a positive impact in the community!","fullyFundedDate":1742569070360,"projectUrl":"project/who-runs-the-world-girls/9067797/","projectTitle":"Who Runs the World? Girls!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9808541_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729271071867","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9808541"},{"teacherId":9124716,"projectId":8993004,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible donation of gloves for our students. Your generosity has made such a meaningful impact on our class, and I'm excited to share how these resources are being used and the difference they've made.\r\nAs you may know, our students are active participants in the track and field program, where the cold winter months can make it tough to stay warm, especially during practice and races. Thanks to you, we now have high-quality gloves that help keep our hands warm, allowing us to focus on running our best without distraction. When the students saw the gloves, they were excited and grateful. One student, Dior, shared how thankful they were because they finally had something to keep their hands warm while jogging, and how every time they wear the gloves, they'll think of the person who gave them that gift.\r\nOur students have used the gloves daily during practices and races, and it's been heartwarming to see them embrace this new resource. Whether they're running laps around the park or getting ready for a big race, the gloves make a huge difference. As Tracey mentioned, your gift benefits not just one student but over 30 kids on the Young Runners team, allowing them to perform without worrying about the cold. These moments, where the students realize how much people care about their success, inspire them to keep pushing forward.\r\nWe have several upcoming races where these gloves will continue to play a vital role. The gloves are helping our students stay comfortable and focused. Each time they slip on the gloves, they feel a sense of support and encouragement that motivates them to give their best.\r\nYour gift has truly made a difference in their lives. Your kindness has been felt deeply, from the smallest gesture to the biggest impact. Thank you again for your support. We all truly appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1733956807997,"projectUrl":"project/keep-our-runners-warm-this-winter-donate/8993004/","projectTitle":"Keep Our Runners Warm This Winter Donate Winter Running Gloves!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Childs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9124716_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691450622922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9124716"},{"teacherId":8935775,"projectId":8731552,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Thanks to your support, our students now have access to baseball equipment that is not only of high quality but also a game-changer in terms of equity. For about 90% of our students, this is their first opportunity to play baseball, and the excitement in the air when they saw the new gear was indescribable. You could see their faces light up as they held the equipment and ripped open the boxes the first time. \r\n\r\nOne of the first projects we did was a team-building drill, where students learned the fundamentals of the game and were able to practice in a way that felt professional and real. We practiced running bases and complimenting each other with words and high fives. Building that team chemistry. Not only are they learning the skills of the game, but they're also building teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging—something that many of them have never experienced before. As we move forward, we'll be starting our official baseball season, where these resources will help them take their skills to the next level, fostering a deeper love for the game and for what they can achieve as a team.\r\n\r\nYour donation is truly making a difference, and I can't wait to share more milestones with you as we continue this journey. Thank you for giving our students the gift of baseball and equity.","fullyFundedDate":1737031009896,"projectUrl":"project/academy-for-personal-leadership-and-exce/8731552/","projectTitle":"Academy for Personal Leadership and Excellence Baseball","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cuevas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8935775"},{"teacherId":5670876,"projectId":3988703,"letterContent":"The digital resources provided to my students were incredibly helpful. Your support did more than just provide equipment; it unlocked potential and changed the way our students learn.\r\nThank you so much for your wonderful donation of headphones for our classroom! Your kindness is already making a beautiful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, something amazing is happening in our classroom. We wish you could see the smiles we see every day.\r\n\r\nThe students who used to struggle in silence, trying to decipher words on a page, now have a trusted tool to help them. With the headphones you provided, they can privately listen to stories and lessons, and the change has been incredible.\r\nWe are seeing:\r\n\r\nNewfound Confidence: The relief on a child's face when they can finally understand a lesson on their own is priceless. You've given them that gift.\r\n\r\nSparking a Love for Learning: When reading is no longer a struggle, it becomes a joy. We see students now diving into books and excited to learn, many for the first time.\r\n\r\nA Sense of Belonging: Your gift helps every child feel capable and included, ready to learn alongside their friends without fear.","fullyFundedDate":1553021805169,"projectUrl":"project/becoming-a-digital-citizen/3988703/","projectTitle":"Becoming a Digital Citizen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Skountzos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5670876_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1536504560455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5670876"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_99004","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":791,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":84,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.8,"schoolId":99004,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/new-york-city-dept-of-ed/academy-for-personal-leadership-and-excellence/99004"}
Join the 164 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence is
an urban public school
in Bronx, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed.
It serves 791 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.5:1.
Its teachers have had 45 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence Demographics
95%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
97%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence
$27,424
raised using DonorsChoose
45
projects
funded
25
teachers
funded
164
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
9
projects for
books
Academy of Personal Leadership & Excellence has received support from
98 individuals from New York and
66 individuals out-of-state.