Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn Celebrates Historic 161st Academic Year

The celebration continues! Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn Head of School Iphigenia Romanos welcomed students, parents, faculty and staff back to school on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 as the iconic Bay Ridge private school officially began its historic 161st academic year. The Academy is continuing its celebration of 160 years of excellence in 2023-2024 under the theme of “Adelphi Through the Years,” it was announced.

Families were greeted by brand new welcome banners and informational signage posted throughout the Academy’s grounds, in addition to the smiling faces of Romanos and excited faculty members. Adelphi’s Director of Academy Safety & Security Anthony Longobardi was also front and center on opening day, greeting families and making sure everyone arrived safely and without issue.

“The first day of school is always such a special and exciting time, as students and families return to the place that truly serves as their home away from home for the majority of the calendar year,” Romanos said. “Here at Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, the safety and security of our children remains our top priority always, and we are excited to have Mr. Longobardi here to share his expertise and ensure that Adelphi continues to create a safe, secure and comfortable learning environment for every member of the Adelphi family.”

Mr. Longobardi is a retired NYPD captain who most notably served as commanding officer of the 62nd Precinct in Bensonhurst. He has been an active member of the community for the better part of two decades and brings his expert operational and security background to Adelphi.

Academically, students and staff have a lot to look forward to this year, according to Romanos.

“We are continuing to celebrate the Academy’s 160 years of academic excellence by blending new electives, activities and events into the rich history and traditions that exist within these walls. It’s going to be an incredible year!” she said.

Adelphi’s history is brought to life and celebrated each year in a variety of ways, but especially through its innovative House system, which allows for each House to accumulate points throughout the year for individual and class-wide academic, extracurricular, social and service-related achievements, as well as demonstrations of good character, service and kindness.  During the first week of school, Adelphians of all ages participated in icebreakers and team-building exercises within their respective Houses — Morrill, Lockwood, Ellinwood and Levermore — each named for some of Adelphi’s earliest leaders and founders. New Adelphians received official letters from Romanos welcoming them to their respective Houses during a special assembly.

In keeping with tradition, the House with the most points accumulated by year’s end will have its name etched into the annals of Adelphi history, literally, in the form of a trophy — Adelphi’s majestic House Cup — that is displayed prominently in the Academy’s John Lockwood Auditorium Theatre all year round. Last year, House Morrill returned to glory as the winner after its three-year streak was snapped by House Ellinwood in 2021-2022. The victory marked Morrill’s fourth win in the past six years.

“Members of House Morrill were ecstatic to see their House name firmly etched in history once again as the 2022-2023 winners of the Adelphi House Cup,” Director of Academy Operations Albert C. Corhan said. “As four-time winners, they have set a very high standard of excellence and these proud Adelphians will undoubtedly do everything possible to live up the great legacy of the Academy’s founders and enjoy continued success.”

Once again this year, students in every grade level are utilizing brand new Google Chromebooks as part of Adelphi’s ever-expanding blended learning initiative. Introduced in 2021-2022 to Adelphi’s Upper Schoolers, the now schoolwide initiative allows for students of all ages to incorporate the latest technology into their daily learning.

“Adelphi’s blended learning initiative continues to evolve and expand,” Romanos said. “Both students and faculty members are excited to be able to use technology to enhance their daily classroom work, with information and interactive lessons literally right at their fingertips.”