Our Insights
What’s Special
Law and debate team, courtroom on campus
The Downside
Poor attendance
At the High School for Civil Rights, students may take classes on Constitutional law and participate in a real Youth Court in the school's own courtroom. There is an extended day and extra tutoring for the many students who arrive in 9th grade performing below grade level. Most students feel safe in school. Unfortunately, attendance is poor.
Located on the Thomas Jefferson Educational campus, the school seeks to give students a full immersion experience in civil rights and law through lessons, videos, field trips and courtroom experience. It partners with The East New York Youth Court and Red Hook Justice Center. These programs train students to serve as jurors, judges and advocates, handling real-life cases involving their peers in the school courtroom, according to the CEP (comprehensive educational plan).
High School for Civil Rights also offers arts classes, including choir, studio arts and filmmaking. The building has a new recording studio for those interested in music.
The school has an extended day, or P.M. school, which runs from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
There are also double periods in some core subjects to help struggling students, in addition to lunchtime tutoring and Saturday school. A summer bridge program and a 9th grade coordinator works to capture students' interest when they first arrive. High-achieving students may choose from several AP classes, including calculus, U.S. history and English.
Principal Michael Steele, who has led the school since 2005, believes in a combination of traditional discipline and emotional support. Staff gives special attention to students who struggle the most, keeping in close touch through mentoring. The school offers incentives and rewards for good attendance, such as time in the recording studio.
There is a college advisor who leads a college prep class every week. A teacher is assigned to help with SAT prep. Students mostly attend CUNY and SUNY schools and colleges such as Ithaca College and University of Connecticut.
The campus hums after school ends. There are numerous sports teams shared with other schools in Jefferson, academic tutoring and clubs such as cheerleading and robotics. Swimming is offered through a partnership with the YMCA. (Lydie Raschka, DOE data and web reports, November 2018)
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Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLaw and Government (K63X)
Program Description:
This program is designed to provide an in-depth look at the American Political System, along with an overview of the American legal system. Students are encouraged to participate in discussion and debate and examine legal documents, political culture and ideology, the role of the media, criminal and civil law, along with many other interesting and relevant topics. Further, students will be exposed to the operation of state and local government with the object of making them more responsible participants in the political process. Students will participate in Mock trials and Moot court competitions around the city.
Social Justice and Civic Leadership (K64S)
Program Description:
This program is designed to introduce students to social justice issues and assist them in discovering their ability to create positive change in their own world and community. Students will critically analyze various social movements that happens globally and locally. Students will also explore and discuss how civic engagement influence human understanding, relationships, and behavior for centuries. Students will understand how individuals operate within community contexts created through interactions and relationships structured by sociability, belonging, and responsibility.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Calculus AB, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Chemistry (Advanced Science), Other (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Swimming, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Stunt
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
400 Pennsylvania Avenue
Brooklyn
NY
11207
Trains: to Pennsylvania Av; to Livonia Av
Buses: B14, B15, B20, B83
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Thomas Jefferson Educational Campus with three other schools
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