Kingsbridge International, opened in September 2005 in the Walton Educational Complex, has friendly and attentive teachers. All of the students are new to this country and most speak Spanish, though there are sometimes Albanian, Japanese and Vietnamese students as well.

The majority of teachers trust Principal Ron Newlon and think he is an effective leader, according to the 2011-12 Learning Environment Survey. Newlon was formerly a biology teacher at Seward Park High School and an assistant principal at the University Neighborhood School. The same survey reports that 90 percent of students feel their teachers inspire them to learn.

Fifteen percent of graduates received an Advanced Regents Diploma in 2011. However, for the school overall, the graduation rate is low, with fewer than 70 percent of students graduating, even after six years.

The school shares the lunchroom, gym and auditorium with four other schools. While students must go through metal detectors to enter the building, they said it usually goes smoothly. The Walton Campus’ library has been closed for years and the swimming pool is not in use.

A variety of afterschool courses in English, Math, Music, Social Studies, Science, Art and Video are available in addition to building-wide PSAL sports.

Admission: NYC residents who have been in the United States for fewer than four years and have scored at the intermediate-beginner level or below on a standard language exam. (Aryn Bloodworth, DOE statistics, November 2012)