University Neighborhood High School

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)