Our Insights
What’s Special
Hands-on training for fashion-related careers
The Downside
The school's size is a strength but it may overwhelm some
Founded in 1926, the High School for Fashion Industries prepares students for fashion careers ranging from the business of fashion to design. The school has come a long way since its founding mission of preparing garment factory workers. Today, students have access to a broad range of academic and career-focused classes. Most students graduate on-time and are prepared for college as well as jobs in the fashion industry.
Academics & Instruction: In 9th grade, teachers use the Writing Revolution, a structured approach that is especially helpful for struggling writers. Teachers in all academic subjects use the same vocabulary and techniques in their classes, whether it’s a math teacher discussing how students should explain their approach to solving a problem or a history teacher critiquing an essay.
The school’s dual focus on academics and fashion careers means students juggle a lot. To minimize stress, the school has adopted a compassionate grading policy. Students may resubmit work after receiving feedback from the teacher so they can learn from their mistakes and try for a higher grade. Every two weeks all classes hold a “no new work day” so students may catch up on their assignments, review material, or tackle challenging enrichment activities.
Advanced and college level courses are open to students ready for the challenge. In addition to in-person tutoring for students, the school uses an online program for students needing extra help in algebra and geometry.
Culture & Environment: Teachers take care to pronounce students’ names correctly and address them by their correct pronouns. Every 9th-grader takes a class to help them adjust to high school where they get support from upper grade student mentors.
Each grade has a wellness team comprised of at least two guidance counselors, a social worker and an attendance teacher who keep tabs on students’ social and academic needs.
The school holds celebrations in honor of Black History, Women’s History and Hispanic and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Months. Students may participate in Asian Culture, Black and Latina Empowerment, Black Student Union, Intersectional Feminist, Muslim Students Association and Rainbow Project clubs.
Nearly 90 percent of the students are female.
Themes & Programs: Fashion Industries offers programs in three key areas: fashion, visual and digital art, and business. Within each area, students choose a path to major in: fashion design, photography, visual and digital art, fashion marketing and management, visual presentation and design, or web and software development.
The school has an advisory board of fashion industry professionals who help students network and secure internships and jobs.
Special Education & English as a New Language (ENL): The school offers ENL classes for students learning English, and after school support. Students with disabilities are served in small special needs classes and ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes staffed by two teachers—one specializing in the subject and the other in special education—alongside on-site psychologists and social workers.
Building & Facilities: The school is housed in a 10-story building, which can be hectic to navigate. Students use elevators and stairs. All classrooms have high ceilings and air conditioning. There’s a state-of-the-art fashion design lab and a photography dark room. The 1600-seat auditorium has a fashion show runway. An on-site health clinic provides free medical, dental and mental health services.
College & Career: Every 11th-grader takes a class focused on career planning and college admissions. Twelfth-graders take a class to complete their college and financial aid applications. Students may seek out individual support from the school’s college and career office. Some students secure jobs after graduation, but many attend college including arts schools such as Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons and SCAD in Georgia. (Laura Zingmond, web reports and questionnaire, September 2023).
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
Not offered in 2021-21College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryArt, Photography, and Graphic Design (M68J)
Program Description:
This program exposes students to computer graphics, painting, digital and black and white photography, illustration, graphic design and video production. Students are prepared for internships and the skills needed for completing a college admissions portfolio. There is a photography lab on school premises. Students collaborate with professional artists, exhibit their work at museums and attend workshops at FIT, Parsons, Copper Union, PRATT, School of Visual Arts, and New York City Tech.
Fashion Design and Accessories (M68L)
Program Description:
A comprehensive course of study where students are offered hands-on instruction in the process, skills, and language of Fashion Design and Accessories from concept through production. Students collaborate with industry partners who help guide them. Classes in the program include Beginner & Advanced Fashion Illustration, Beginner & Advanced Garment Construction, Draping, Pattern Making, Accessories Design & Portfolio Development. Students will be able to produce a college admission portfolio.
Business Marketing and Visual Merchandising (M68M)
Program Description:
This program is designed to develop student skills in visual display, store planning and marketing. Classes include: Introduction to Business Marketing, Introduction to Visual Merchandising, Beginner & Advanced Computer Applications, Business Law, Business Marketing Tools, Techniques, & Lab, Window Display and Exhibition Design, Fashion Buying & Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.
The High School of Fashion Industries D75 Inclusion Program (M68U)
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature and Composition, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Arts (Advanced Placement), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Comp Sci/Math Tech (College Course [Credited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science)
Boys PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Volleyball
Girls PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Wrestling
Coed PSAL teams
Stunt
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
225 West 24 Street
Manhattan
NY
10011
Trains: to 28th St; , to 34th St; , to 14th St; , to 23rd St
Buses: BM1, BM2, BM3, BM4, BxM11, BxM18, BxM2, BxM3, BxM4, M1, M11, M12, M14D-SBS, M2, M20, M23-SBS, M3, M34-SBS, M34A-SBS, M5, M55, M7, Q32, SIM10, SIM1C, SIM23, SIM24, SIM3, SIM3C, X27, X28, X63, X64, X68
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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