Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Premier Manhattan-Area School, Excels In Curriculum, Extra-Curriculars

The Lawrence Woodmere Academy’s athletic director, Jeff Weiss, tells the Patch about what inspired him to pursue a career in education and how his high school soccer coach mentored him both on and off the field. His private school, just outside of Manhattan, excels outside the classroom as well as inside.

Patch: What is your school best known for?

Weiss: We are 1 out of 22 schools that offer a Global Scholar Certificate to students who opt into this

selective program. Students are given the opportunity to design their global studies concentration

with emphasis on cross cultural engagement, service learning, and extra-curricular activities

geared towards diplomacy, leadership and cultural awareness. Students house their reflections on

an online digital portfolio. It’s an incredibly unique program, and a great opportunity for our

students to become more connected with the world.

Patch: What’s the best item in your cafeteria?

Weiss: I’m a big fan of the salad bar. There are a variety of different choices.

Patch: How did you get into teaching or education?

I have always had a passion for sports and coaching and so the Director of Athletics was a

natural fit. I began coaching at Hewlett High School while working in a law firm. Then a job

opened up at Woodmere Academy, now LWA and I was fortunate enough to get hired as the

Athletic Director in September of 1988.

Patch: What is your favorite event at the school?

Weiss: Homecoming. It’s a wonderful event that brings together the whole school community. Faculty,

staff, current families and alumni are treated to a whole weekend of events, starting with the

faculty talent show and ending with a reunion. It gives everyone the opportunity to truly appreciate

how wonderful of a place Lawrence Woodmere Academy is.

Patch: What was the best advice a teacher ever gave to you and do you remember the

grade/subject he or she taught?

Weiss: Most of the influential people in my life outside of my family are various coaches. Like with

anything else, some of those experiences were great and some not so great. I vividly remember

the Athletic Director at Hewlett High School, Greg Murphy, acting as a professional mentor in

many ways. Also, my High School soccer coach, Richard Ilsey, taught me lots about being in the

coaching/teaching world. They both were and are close friends today.

Patch: What advice would you give others in your position?

Weiss: Not one to give much advice, but if asked my answer would be never cheat the kids. Make their

experience one they can fondly remember and cherish always. Kids have so much on their plate

today and giving them a positive outlet is vital. It is and should be all about the kids.

Coaches/teachers should never lose that focus.

Patch: What’s the school’s teaching philosophy?

Weiss: Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for college and beyond. One of the best aspects of

our teaching philosophy is that we aren’t held down by the common core standards. LWA’s

program is designed to meet each student’s individual needs. We have the flexibility to challenge

students in areas they are excelling and support them in areas where they may struggle.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy’s faculty works everyday to ensure that no students fall between

the cracks, and that everyone finds success.

Patch: What are some of the more popular extra-circular activities?

Weiss: Our students are engaged in a number of different activities including sports, the arts, and clubs.

In terms of our sports program, our no cut policy gives all students the opportunity to play on a

team. Taking away the fear of being cut or denied from a team allows many students to step of

their comfort zone and try something new.

Patch: What makes the Lawrence Woodmere Academy standout?

Weiss: We are a school rooted in history. Woodmere Academy was founded in 1912, Lawrence Country

Day School in 1891and the merger of the two schools in 1990. Throughout the years our school

has been changing with the times, and even to this day we continue to build on all of our

programs. With all of the amazing faculty, staff, and families, I am confident we will be around

for another 100 years and more.

Patch: How can readers contact the school or learn more?

Weiss: The Admissions Department: Trish Hughes, Admissions Associate or Frank DeCicco, Director

of Marketing. The phone number is (516) 394-1827.