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University Neighborhood High School
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MANHATTAN NY
Our Insights
What’s Special
Business classes, Mandarin, free college classes
The Downside
No regular-sized gymnasium
University Neighborhood High School is safe and well-run, and offers business classes, Mandarin and college classes. The school does a good job helping students master English, including Spanish-speakers and recent immigrants from China. Most students graduate on time.
The school has increased its Advanced Placement offerings over the years and now has half a dozen options, including in math, science, Mandarin and art. Seniors may take business, economics or English classes through Baruch College or LaGuardia Community College. All students major in dance, music or visual arts according to the school website.
Even though not all graduates go to college, the school wants to make sure those who do are well prepared. “I want all my students to know how to take notes, how to write reports,” said principal Elizabeth Collins in an article in DNAinfo.
University Neighborhood opened in September 1999 in what had originally been Manhattan's PS 31, a Lower East Side landmark built in 1902. Its name reflects the school's founding collaboration with New York University. (The high school has no connection to University Neighborhood Middle School, despite the similar names.)
The five-story Beaux Arts building features high ceilings, large windows and ample natural light, but also narrow hallways, a tiny library and no gymnasium (although it does have an indoor weight room and dance studio). A nearby park provides an athletic field.
Fights were common when Collins became principal in 2010, but she quickly brought order, and trimmed clubs and electives to concentrate on improving math, reading, writing and other core academics. A native of Poland and a former high school math teacher, she uses data to help identify areas in which students may need help.
Graduates have been accepted to private schools such as Pace University, St. John's and Penn State, as well as SUNY colleges in Binghamton, Stony Brook, Buffalo and Albany.
ADMISSIONS: The school accepts students from throughout New York City. The Bilingual Mandarin program and University Neighborhood High School programs are screened. CTE Hospitality and Tourism is educational option, or “ed opt,” which is designed to attract a range of low-, middle- and high-achievers. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, March 2018)
Read moreSchool Stats
Is this school safe and well-run?
From 2018-19 NYC School Survey
From 2017-18 NY State Report Card
From this school's most recent Quality Review Report
From 2017-18 School Quality Guide
How do students perform academically?
From 2017-18 School Quality Guide
Who does this school serve?
From 2018-19 Demographic Snapshot
From 2017-18 School Quality Guide
How does this school serve special populations?
From 2017-18 School Quality Guide
Programs & Admissions
From the 2019 High School Directory
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Punctuality
- Course Grades: English, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts, Math
Program Description:
Comprehensive Career and Technical Education program includes study in business, finance, marketing, tourism, and customer service in addition to work-based learning experiences with partner organizations at local hotels, museums, and businesses. Completion of this program leads to a CTE-endorsed diploma.
Program Description:
Students new to the country are provided with an extensive English as a New Language Program through Academic Intervention Services before and after school as well as on Saturdays. Eligible students, if they choose, are included in our CTE Hospitality and Tourism or Early College program.
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Punctuality
- Course Grades: English (65-100), Math (72-100), Science (75-100), Social Studies (69-100)
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts (2.0-4.5), Math (2.0-4.5)
Program Description:
Students earn up to 30 tuition-free college credits from CUNY Baruch and LaGuardia Colleges. Students take College Now courses on the UNHS and college campuses after school and during the school day. Courses offered on the UNHS campus include Critical Thinking, ENG 101, Journalistic Writing, Public Speaking, Sociology, Intro to Business, Intro to Marketing, College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Biology, and Computer Science.
Academics
Language Courses
Mandarin, Spanish
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
AP 2-D Art and Design, AP Calculus AB, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Spanish Language and Culture
Sports
Boys PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Handball
Girls PSAL teams
Bowling, Softball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
to East Broadway; 
, 
, 
to Delancey St-Essex St
Contact
Other Details
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