Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16

John Walton Spencer School No. 16

School Information

  • Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16 is in the South Zone.

    This school is currently in Receivership status by the New York State Education Department. For more information about Receivership or to view the school’s improvement measures, please visit https://www.rcsdk12.org/receivership.

What Every Family Should Know

Program Features

  • English Language Learners (ENL) Yes
    Chorus Yes
    Band/Orchestra Yes
    Instrumental Music Lessons Yes
    Sports Yes, Basketball
    Step Teams Yes
    On-Site After-School Care Yes, in partnership with ROC Royal
    Summer Programs Yes, district-wide
    Business/College/Faith Partnerships 19th Ward Community Association, ROC Royal, YMCA, Tru Impact, Ebenezer Baptist Church, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Southwest Ecumenical Ministries (SWEM), New Life Fellowship Church, University of Rochester, Center for Youth, Southwest Kiwanis, Rochester Presbyterian Home, CET, Common Ground Health, United Healthcare, Woodward Health Center, Arnett Library, KBA Basketball Association, University of Rochester Bio-Medical Engineers Program

Unique Features

  • Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16 is a Pre-K through 6th grade school. Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16’s Soaring Eagles learn and grow together as a community. Come and join our community where students and learning come first.

    Located in the heart of the city’s 19th Ward, our new state-of-the-art building is equipped with the latest technology in each classroom. In addition, we have two computer labs and students have individual chromebooks.  Our school is clean and bright with new learning spaces such as our Maker Space room where students engage in Project-based learning activities.  We also have a new library that is filled with cultural responsive literature choices. We take pride in the established partnerships that support our students and families such as the Arnett Library, the Presbyterian Home, the 19th Ward Association, Common Ground Health, Foodlink, KBA Basketball Association and many more. Students participate in Terrific Kids, a student recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance. Our students work with their classroom teachers to establish goals to improve behavior, peer relationships, attendance, or schoolwork, and are recognized for achieving their goals in a set period of time. Our staff promotes a safe school environment and supports character building through the School-Wide Positive Behavioral Support (SWPBS) program and Restorative practices. Students are excited about participating in our annual spelling bee held at the University of Rochester.