Our Insights
What’s Special
Lots of support from teachers and counselors for college-bound students
The Downside
Longer school day and year may not appeal to some
Uncommon Charter High School, founded in 2009, is a supportive, structured school with high standards. Most students are accepted to a 4-year college and more than half stay all four years. The school emphasizes building good habits and a strong community. The school day is extended and the school year starts in August.
Academics & Instruction: All Uncommon high schools strive to maintain a steady culture and tone. Students sit in rows or chat in groups for discussions. Teachers use interactive methods, like turning and talking, to keep lessons engaging. There are double periods of math and English every day, and Saturday classes for extra help. In 2023, the number of graduating seniors with test scores high enough to enroll at CUNY without remedial help was around the citywide average. Most students take at least one Advanced Placement course.
Themes & Programs: Project Lead the Way, launched in 2018, gets students involved in hands-on learning in science, tech, engineering, and math (STEM). Recent grads are now choosing STEM majors like engineering, math, biology, and biochemistry in greater numbers, thanks to this program, reports the Brooklyn Paper.
The school offers Spanish, art and theater. Clubs include drumline, photography, weightlifting, yoga, anime, photography, and soccer among others. Sports teams include volleyball, basketball, girls track and more.
Culture & Environment: All Uncommon schools emphasize routine and good habits, starting with a morning meeting. In high school, teens discuss current events, themes like Black History Month, and prep for college. Weekly assemblies include academic activities, awards, student speeches, and energizing African drumming. Inspirational talks, like those about sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, boost morale. Freshmen have monthly gatherings to build community and habits.
Students meet with advisors weekly to track academics. Grades 10-12 meet twice a week for unique projects, like lessons from a teaching artist or workshops with chess, photography, or cosmetology teachers.
Students are required to follow rules for behavior in classrooms and hallways, staying seated during lunch. The school emphasizes smooth transitions between activities. Uniforms, including tucked-in shirts, are required. Students are also encouraged to participate in community service, such as food drives, supporting causes like fundraising for breast cancer, and volunteering in the community.
Special Education & English as a New Language (ENL): About one-quarter of the students have disabilities, and around 7 percent are learning English. Specially trained teachers work with individuals and small groups in and outside the classroom to offer support.
Building & Facilities: Located in a new building in Crown Heights, Uncommon Charter High School shares its building with Achievement First Brooklyn High School, also a charter school. The school has tidy hallways, bright red lockers, and college pennants. There is a nice-sized gymnasium, a rooftop turf field, a cafeteria and library.
College & Career: The school has a solid college prep plan with a 1:17 counselor-to-student ratio. Students begin the process in 9th grade and freshmen and sophomores make at least two on-campus visits each year.
Most students come from three Uncommon middle schools. Apply online at uncommonschools.org/enrollnyc Contact the school to inquire about space for students outside the network. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, November 2023)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
Not offered in 2021-21College Readiness
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Contact & Location
Location
1485 Pacific Street
Brooklyn
NY
11216
Trains: to Kingston-Throop Aves; to Nostrand Ave
Buses: B15, B25, B43, B44, B44-SBS, B65
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Other Details
This school shares a building with Achievement First Brooklyn High School
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