Our Insights
What’s Special
Wide array of programs and activities
The Downside
Graduation rate could be better
John Dewey High School offers the perks of a larg school, including a broad range of classes and activities allowing students a chance to explore their interests and gain skills that may help them in college and career. Serving students from across Brooklyn, it has good attendance, a safe environment, and solid outcomes, with over half of graduates ready for college-level work.
In its early years, John Dewey High School followed the ideas of educator John Dewey, who believed in active learning and student exploration. This progressive, hands-on approach set the school apart. Today, it combines a mix of projects and traditional instruction with extra opportunities to spark student interest.
Dewey has six small learning communities: STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), pre-med, law and justice, business and culinary, fine and performing arts, and a teaching program. Each academy operates like a mini-school with its own courses, staff and activities. Dewey also offers a Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program with bilingual classes in social studies and science.
Each academy provides electives related its theme in addition to core classes. The arts program includes theater, dance, and visual arts. Law and justice students can join Mock Trial (simulated court), Model UN (international diplomacy), and NYU’s High School Law Institute (college courses). The STEM and pre-med academies are screened. They offer advanced science courses, robotics, CPR training, and hospital internships. Forensic science, ceramics, photography, pottery, marine science, and baking are among other clubs and electives.
All freshmen take a double period of English Language Arts, with time for independent reading, lessons, and group work. In 10th grade, students take both global and American history. Tutoring is available during and after school.
The school has a below-average graduation rate, but students are generally well-prepared for college and have good access to advanced courses. This suggests that students who start on grade level are likely to do well. However, the school may need more support for students with disabilities or those who need extra help catching up.
New English speakers get extra support through small group sessions, one-on-one help, and classes with visual aids, and native language materials. Chromebooks and iPads are available for translation assistance.
The school offers family workshops on topics like painting, college and financial aid applications, graduation requirements, handling difficult teenagers, and test anxiety strategies.
Dewey has a spacious campus and offers many electives, Advanced Placement courses, clubs, theater, sports, and even a mindfulness room for relaxation.
Special Education: Dewey provides self-contained and ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes, special education services, a dedicated counselor, and psychologists and social workers. The Academic Career Essential Skills (ACES) program helps students with special needs build skills through school jobs like cafeteria work. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, January 2025)
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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 2021-22College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryThe Academy for Business Management and Culinary Arts (K56A)
Program Description:
The Academy of Business Management and Culinary Arts focuses on preparing students with the technical skills they need to apply to future careers and everyday situations. We offer paid and unpaid internships, job shadowing, mentoring and partnerships through the National Academy of Finance and Careers through Culinary Programs.
Chinese Transitional Bilingual Educational Program (K56B)
Program Description:
This program will strengthen their home language as they continue to improve their academic English skills. Social studies and science courses are taught using both Chinese and English, and students take Chinese as a Native Language courses in addition to their English as a New Language classes. Please note this is a General Education Bilingual Program for ELL students.
The Academy of Teaching and Learning (K56C)
Program Description:
The Academy of Teaching and Learning at J.D.H.S. gives students the opportunity to explore fields in education. This program's 4 year sequence will provide a strong foundation for students who are interested in becoming educators. Students have the ability to take several classes that are focused on pedagogy and a focus on social emotional growth for teaching children. In partnership with Kingsborough Community College students will have the opportunity to earn college credits while taking classes at Kingsborough through their Education Department.
STEM Academy (K56J)
Program Description:
The STEM Academy provides students with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with opportunities to explore the disciplines of computer science, engineering, and robotics and to take AP and college level courses. Courses will prepare students for colleges, career paths, and more. With significant opportunities for hands-on learning, students will gain fluency with the design process. All applicants are interviewed; information available at STEM@johndeweyhighschool.org
Pre-Med and Health Academy (K56L)
Program Description:
The Pre-Med Academy equips students with knowledge and competencies that allow them to excel in college pre-med and health professional programs. Students experience an immersive clinical internship, study anatomy, medical technology, medical ethics, and take AP and college-level courses. Students graduate with certifications in CPR, first aid, and others accredited by the American Red Cross. All applicants are interviewed; information available at premed@johndeweyhighschool.org
The Academy of Law and Justice (K56M)
Program Description:
This is an opportunity for students interested in law and exploring the struggle for justice and human rights. Program electives focus on the criminal justice system. Through our affiliation with the Justice Resource Center and Facing History & Ourselves, students visit criminal and juvenile court, work with lawyers and politicians, and participate in moot court, mock trial, and Model UN competitions. Students will also have the opportunity to apply to a variety of law related internships.
The Academy of Fine and Performing Arts (K56T)
Program Description:
Students will experience a unique journey in Visual, Theater, or Dance Arts. Students will be introduced to learning the basics of each field and advance by learning new techniques and skills in their focus area culminating in an Endorsed Diploma. Theater Arts students will participate in acting, scene study, and play writing. Dance will include traditional and modern dance, jazz, interpretive dance, and choreography. Visual Arts classes include studio art, ceramics, and photography.
John Dewey High School D75 Inclusion Program (K56U)
John Dewey ACES Program (K56Y)
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Mandarin, Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Computer Science A, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP Macroeconomics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art - 2D, AP Studio Art - Drawing, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Chemistry (Advanced Science), Math (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Uncredited]), Science (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
Boys PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Wrestling
Girls PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Double Dutch
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
50 Avenue X
Brooklyn
NY
11223
Trains:
to Bay 50th St;
to Av X;
to 86th St
Buses: B1, B4, B64, B82, X28, X38
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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