Our Insights
What’s Special
Traditional college prep curriculum and strong college office
The Downside
Fewer sports and arts than larger-size schools can offer
Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ELRO) is a rigorous school with a traditional college-prep curriculum and an excellent record of college admissions. Wide hallways, polished floors, and spotless modern bathrooms make the former Sotheby's warehouse a pleasant space to learn.
Academics & Instruction: In a city where lots of schools have themes and specialties, Eleanor Roosevelt stands out for its gimmick-free curriculum and no-nonsense approach to teaching. Although class discussions and some project-based work are encouraged, many rooms have desks in rows and lessons led by the teacher standing at the front of the class. All students take four years of college-prep math, science, English, history, and a foreign language; many also take multiple advanced placement exams.
The English curriculum covers classics. Ninth graders read The Epic of Gilgamesh, "Oedipus the King," Beowulf, and "Macbeth." Tenth graders study Dante’s Inferno (linked to Italian Renaissance) and A Tale of Two Cities (linked to French Revolution). Eleventh graders read The Scarlet Letter (linked to U.S. history). Students can choose French or Spanish.
All 9th-graders take geometry and a foundations of math class. Seniors often take calculus. In some subjects there is not a lot of choice—students are expected to take chemistry and physics—but sometimes there’s a choice between hard and harder. For example, 10th-graders may choose between Regents global history or Advanced Placement World History.
ELRO offers changing yearly electives like African American literature, data science, and drama. Students may explore iPhone app development, robotics, 3-D printing, filmmaking, and computer programming. ELRO allows unrestricted internet access and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). The school boasts a robust four-year music and arts program.
Culture & Environment: In September, entering 9th-graders enjoy a day at Camp Ramapo to work on team-building skills. There are lots of clubs, including Model UN, Lego art, and jazz ensemble. Students say the homework load is heavy but not oppressive—two to three hours a night. All students are expected to complete 20 hours of community service per year.
The school reserves 50 percent of seats for students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The BIPOC student union, Asian culture club, gender and sexuality alliance, and Muslim and Jewish culture clubs meet twice a month.
ELRO partners with Morningside Center to guide their weekly small group advisories. Morningside Center staff collaborate with club leaders on events like the international dinner, sustainability initiatives, and cultural celebrations. Ninth and 10th grade advisories are led by teachers, staff, and trained 12th-graders. Restorative justice training supports peaceful conflict resolution.
Special Education: The school has ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes in core academic subjects required for graduation. These classes mix teens with special needs and their general ed peers in one room led by two teachers. The school has very few English language learners.
Building & Facilities: ELRO has its own building with labs, music and dance rooms, cafeteria, and library. A new gym is located a block away. Over 30 activities and PSAL sports are available. The cafeteria is small, and the auditorium can't accommodate full-school assemblies. Fewer PSAL sports are offered than at large schools, but students excel in girls' basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Lunch can be off-campus.
College & Career: The school’s two counselors help students apply to colleges. Most graduates attend four-year colleges, with some getting full scholarships. (Clara Hemphill; updates by Lydie Raschka via web reports, interview & responses to a questionnaire, March 2024)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryEleanor Roosevelt High School (M21A)
Program Description:
We offer students a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum across all disciplines. Students are given the opportunity to pursue higher level courses across the humanities and STEM fields.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
French, Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Macroeconomics, AP Physics 1, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Calculus (Advanced Math), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Physics (Advanced Science), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Tennis
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Golf
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
411 East 76 Street
Manhattan
NY
10021
Trains: to 77th St
Buses: BxM1, M101, M102, M103, M15, M15-SBS, M31, M66, M72, M79-SBS, M86-SBS, M98, Q102
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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