{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Validus Preparatory Academy","outOfStateSupporters":43.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4082627,"projectId":9645994,"letterContent":"Thank you again for all of the materials donated to our program! We're currently in off-season training, so we've already been able to put the training equipment, such as the exercise bands, batting net, and baseballs, to great use. We can't wait for spring so we can get outside and use the rest of the equipment. The bands, in particular, have been instrumental in helping our pitchers warm up; they use them three times a week as part of their training program.\r\n\r\nWhen the players saw all of the materials, especially their personal equipment bags, they were ecstatic! It was tough not to hand everything out right away, but saving it for the end of practice gave them extra motivation to work hard and earn them. As soon as they received their new bags, they filled them with all their gear. They absolutely love them!\r\n\r\nOur next step is to bring all of this equipment onto the field. The players will be able to apply the skills they've been developing this winter and demonstrate them during practices and games. We'll also be putting the helmets, team equipment bag, and safety net to good use.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support!","fullyFundedDate":1757342158337,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-the-playing-field/9645994/","projectTitle":"Leveling the Playing Field","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lomuscio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4082627_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x1020,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556226030835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4082627"},{"teacherId":9872584,"projectId":9003811,"letterContent":"When my girls' flag football team first received the new resources, the excitement was immediate. The moment the agility hurdles, Nike arm sleeves, practice jerseys, and running parachutes came out of the box, the players couldn't stop smiling and trying things on. The arm sleeves, in particular, were an instant hit—not just as performance gear but as a way to express their style and team unity. \r\n\r\nWe integrated the agility hurdles into warm-up circuits to improve foot speed, coordination, and quick directional changes—skills essential for both offense and defense in flag football. The running parachutes became a favorite challenge, with players pushing themselves to sprint harder while building strength and endurance. It turned conditioning into something fun and competitive, with teammates cheering each other on. The new practice jerseys helped clearly define teams during scrimmages, making our drills more organized and game-like.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to build on this momentum by designing more complex agility and conditioning drills that combine hurdles, parachutes, and quick-change plays. The players have already started taking ownership of warm-up routines, suggesting creative ways to use the equipment. With these resources, our team can continue refining skills, building confidence, and deepening the sense of pride they have in representing our school on the field.","fullyFundedDate":1735935994814,"projectUrl":"project/gridiron-grit-empowering-girls-through/9003811/","projectTitle":"Gridiron Grit: Empowering Girls Through Flag Football","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ashbourne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9872584_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734890818369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9872584"},{"teacherId":9830017,"projectId":8928372,"letterContent":"The fidget toys have been incredibly helpful in my Global History class, especially during lessons that require sustained focus and deep source analysis. One standout moment came during our unit on Imperialism in Africa and Asia. Students were analyzing primary sources like excerpts from Kipling's \"The White Man's Burden\", Queen Liliʻuokalani's resistance to annexation, and political cartoons from the 19th century.Usually, reading through dense, old-fashioned language and interpreting historical bias can be overwhelming — but with the fidget toys in hand, students were noticeably calmer and more engaged. They were twisting, squeezing, or popping while reading, which actually helped them focus better. During our Socratic Seminar on the consequences of imperialism, more students participated than usual — especially some of my quieter ones.\r\n\r\nTheir eyes lit up! At first, they thought the fidget toys were just fun gadgets — a break from the normal classroom routine. A few even asked, \"Are these for real? Can we keep them?\" I explained that they were tools to help them focus, not distractions. Once we established expectations, they totally bought in. Now, they know that when it's time to dive into a primary source — whether it's a journal from the Silk Road or a speech from the French Revolution — they can grab a fidget toy and channel their energy in a way that helps, not hinders, their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1735687719372,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-motion-the-fidget-wellness-pro/8928372/","projectTitle":"\"Mindful Motion: The Fidget Wellness Project\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. French","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9830017_orig.jpg?crop=701,701,x141,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731027126114","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9830017"},{"teacherId":4082627,"projectId":9062252,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the backpack and the baseball equipment that you donated to our program! I cannot express the impact that has made on my team over the last month. The bags have created a sense of belonging for the boys that received them and the baseball pitching has provided endless repetitions that we couldnt have without it. The excitement they had on their faces when they received their donations were priceless! \r\n\r\nThe baseball bags donated to the team have made a significant impact by providing players with the necessary equipment to stay organized and prepared for every game. With ample space for gear, they allow athletes to carry everything they need with ease, ensuring they never miss a crucial item. The bags have also fostered a sense of pride and unity among the players, as they all now have matching, high-quality bags. Overall, the donation has helped boost team morale and created a more professional atmosphere, enhancing both performance and spirit.\r\n\r\nThe donated pitching machine has greatly improved the team's practice by allowing players to work on their batting skills with controlled pitch speed and accuracy. 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Validus Preparatory Academy

Join the 398 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Validus Preparatory Academy is an urban public school in Bronx, New York that is part of New York City Dept Of Ed. It serves 284 students in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.8:1. Its teachers have had 78 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 9 - 12

284 Students

24 Teachers

1595 Bathgate Ave

Bronx, NY 10457 View local requests

http://www.validusprep.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Validus Preparatory Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Validus Preparatory Academy Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

98%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Validus Preparatory Academy 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.

Validus Preparatory Academy

$93,508

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

398

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

Validus Preparatory Academy has received support from 225 individuals from New York and 173 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Validus Preparatory Academy

About this school

Equity Focus School

Validus Preparatory Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Validus Preparatory Academy Demographics

Validus Preparatory Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

Validus Preparatory Academy

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.