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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

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Academics

School
Citywide
How many students graduate in 4 years?
 
81%
How many students with disabilities graduate in 4 years?
 
68%
How many English language learners graduate in 4 years?
 
68%
Average daily attendance
 
89%
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
 
30%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school offers enough activities and services for their children's needs?
 
95%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school works to achieve the goals of their students' IEPs?
 
91%
From the 2022-23 School Quality Guide and 2022-23 NYC School Survey

Students

2212
Number of students
Citywide Average is 617

Race/Ethnicity


School
Citywide
Low-income students
 
87%
Students with disabilities
 
15%
Multilingual learners
 
18%
From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Safety & Vibe

School
Citywide
How many students were suspended?
 
0%
How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
 
82%
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
 
46%
How many students say that some are bullied at their school because of their gender or sexual orientation?
 
32%
How many teachers say they would recommend this school to other families?
 
80%
From the 2022-23 NYC School Survey and 2019-20 NY State Report Card

Faculty & Staff

School
Citywide
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
 
67%
2.1
Years of principal experience at this school
Citywide Average is 7
183
Number of students for each guidance counselor or social worker
Citywide Average is 191
How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
 
86%
Are teachers effective?
From the 2022-23 NYC School Survey, 2022-23 School Quality Guide, 2021-22 Report on School-Based Staff Demographics, 2023 Guidance Counselor Report, and this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Advanced Courses

Which students have access to advanced courses at this school? Learn more

Calculus

 
4%

Computer Science

 
1%

Physics

 
3%

Advanced Foreign Language

 
4%

AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science

 
24%

AP/IB Math or Science

 
18%

Music

Not offered in 2021-22
From unpublished, anonymized data from the 2021-22 school year provided by the New York State Education Department, brought to you by

College Readiness

School
Citywide
How many students graduate with test scores high enough to enroll at CUNY without remedial help?
 
55%
How many students take a college-level course or earn a professional certificate?
 
80%
How many students who have graduated from this high school stay in college for at least 3 semesters?
 
59%
From the 2020-21 and 2022-23 School Quality Guide

How many graduates who are eligible received Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funding to attend a NYS college?
 
58%
This shows how well this school supports low-income students to get funding for college.
How many of those TAP recipients made it through college? Learn more
From unpublished, anonymized student-level data for the class of 2016-17 provided by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in coordination with the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC), brought to you by
How many students filled out a FAFSA form by the end of their senior year?
 
64%
From the 2022-23 FAFSA data released by Federal Student Aid, brought to you by Visit Understanding FAFSA for help with the FAFSA and financial aid.
For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Programs & Admissions

From the 2024 High School Directory

The Academy for Business Management and Culinary Arts (K56A)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

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)

Admissions Method: Screened: Language

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)

Admissions Method: Open

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)

Admissions Method: Screened

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)

Admissions Method: Screened

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)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

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)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

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)

Admissions Method: D75 Special Education Inclusive Services

John Dewey ACES Program (K56Y)

Admissions Method: ASD/ACES Program

Offerings

From the 2024 High School Directory

Language 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

NYC Department of Education: MySchools

Contact & Location

Location

50 Avenue X
Brooklyn NY 11223

Trains: D Line to Bay 50th St; F Line to Av X; N Line to 86th St

Buses: B1, B4, B64, B82, X28, X38


Contact

Principal: Heather Adelle

Parent Coordinator: Elizabeth Santana

Phone: 718-373-6400

Website

Other Details

Shared campus? No

This school is in its own building.

Uniforms required? No
Metal detectors? Yes

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