University Neighborhood High School
What’s Special
Business classes, Mandarin, free college classes
The Downside
No regular-sized gymnasium
Our Review
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)
Is this school safe and well-run?
From 2016-17 NYC School Survey
From 2015-16 NY State Report Card
From this school's most recent Quality Review Report
From 2016-17 School Quality Guide
How do students perform academically?
From 2016-17 School Quality Guide
From 2017 NY State Graduation Outcomes
Who does this school serve?
From 2017-18 Demographic Snapshot
From 2016-17 School Quality Guide
How does this school serve special populations?
From 2016-17 School Quality Guide
Programs and Admissions
Program Description
In addition to high school graduation requirements, students in this program are required to take eight additional courses in business, finance, marketing, tourism, and customer service and to participate in outside internships. Besides exploring new careers in hospitality and tourism, students learn skills needed for entry jobs that help them to support themselves while in college. Completion of the program leads to a CTE-endorsed diploma.
Program Description
Students new to the country are taught by bilingual Mandarin-speaking teachers and get extra support 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.
Program Description
Through the University Neighborhood Early College program (UNEC), students can earn up to 24 tuition-free college credits from CUNY Baruch and LaGuardia Colleges. The program is designed for students interested in advancing their education towards college readiness as they work toward meeting high school graduation requirements. Students take College Now courses on the UNHS and college campuses after school and during the school day.
Academics
Language Courses
Mandarin, Spanish
Sports
Boys PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Handball
Girls PSAL teams
Bowling, Softball
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Location
Manhattan NY 10002
Contact
Other Details
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