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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 2018-19 School Quality Guide
How do students perform academically?
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
Who does this school serve?
From 2019-20 Demographic Snapshot
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
How does this school serve special populations?
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
Programs & Admissions
From the 2021 High School Directory
Program Description:
Students are offered their choice of a 4 year sequence in either Computer Science, culminating in AP Computer Science, or CTE Business, culminating in College Now Business and Marketing courses. Students choose their track after freshmen year and are able to individualize their program. All eligible students, even those selected through CTE will have access to Early College courses through College Now. See website for full 4 year sequence. Contact our guidance staff with questions.
Program Description:
UNHS offers the most robust Early College Campus Program in NYC. Beginning in 10th grade, eligible students are able to begin earning dual high school and college bearing credits here on UNHS campus. Students must earn a 75% on the ELA Regents in 10th grade in order to be eligible for the course work. Courses include Critical Thinking, Statistics, Trigonometry, Astronomy, Chemistry, Public Speaking, Literacy and Propaganda, English 101, English 103, Sociology, Intro to Business and Marketing.
Academics
Language Courses
Mandarin, Spanish
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
AP Calculus AB, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP World History: Modern, AP 2-D Art and Design, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP United States History
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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