John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School is an alternative school for disenfranchised students who have dropped out of the regular public school system. Originally called Wildcat Academy, the school was founded in 1992 by Amalia Betanzos and Ronald Tabano as an alternative public school.
Serving 373 students in grades 9-12, John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21-39% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥50% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 373 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 30-34% (Btm 50% in NY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-79% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School's student population of 373 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
373 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
1993
School Calendar
Average Class Size
18 students
School Rankings
John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2782 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
10%
Hispanic
55%
31%
Black
42%
15%
White
2%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
30-34%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School's ranking?
John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School is ranked #2782 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while ≥50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
What is the graduation rate of John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School?
The graduation rate of John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School is 30-34%, which is lower than the New York state average of 87%.
How many students attend John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School?
373 students attend John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School students are Hispanic, 42% of students are Black, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School?
John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School offer ?
John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School part of?
John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School is part of John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
If you know any young person who wants to earn a high school diploma while working on an internship, JVL Wildcat Academy may be for you! Transfer applications are available for September.
We offer a safe, welcoming, non-violent environment for all. Participate in student activities, trips, team sports, college trips, etc. while going to classes & working a 20-hour per week internship on alternate weeks:
Hone your journalism, computer graphics or photography skills on the school newspaper or yearbook.
Sample the work world with assignments in retail, health care, manufacturing, office support, animal care & welfare, community development, law & criminal justice, education, marketing & business, etc.
Or learn about the restaurant business at our in-house culinary program.
You must have previously attended high school to transfer. Lottery applications are now being accepted for Fall 2014 admission.
For students with more than 20 credits, call our Battery Place campus Admissions at 212-209-6006 or drop by for an application (17 Battery Place, first floor, corner of West St).
All other students call our Hunts Point campus Admissions at 212-209-6119, write us at CAsher@jvlwildcat.org or come in for an application (1239 Lafayette Ave, corner of Barretto St).
Review John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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