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Our Insights

What’s Special

Alternative school for older students

The Downside

Tiny school may not appeal to some

Innovation Diploma Plus is a small school that admits students ages 16-20 who struggled in a traditional high school setting. With its tiny size and small classes, teachers provide extra support, adapt lessons, and keep students engaged with projects. 

Academics & Instruction: The school operates on a tri-semester schedule (instead of the more traditional two semesters). This lets students catch up on credits faster and graduate before turning 21, the high school eligibility cutoff.

Students learn about business, especially marketing and multimedia, and may participate in paid internships. Students also explore community issues alongside their regular classes. They create documentaries, like one on gun control and another on gentrification and aggressive policing. Additionally, they produce a podcast sharing student stories.
 
Culture & Environment: The school uses the restorative justice method, which teaches students conflict resolution. Students feel safe and report minimal bullying on the NYC School Survey. Small advisory groups offer support, as does counseling. Advisory sessions address self-awareness and stress management techniques.

Building & Facilities: Founded in 2009, Innovation shares the Louis K. Brandeis campus with several other small schools. Facilities include science labs and dance studios. The school has campus-wide PSAL sports and a drama program.

Admissions: Innovation Diploma Plus admits students throughout the year. See the school’s website or call for more information. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and responses to a questionnaire, February 2024)

 

 

 

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School Stats

Academics

School
Citywide
Transfer school graduation rate
 
48%
From the 2023-24 School Quality Guide and 2023-24 NYC School Survey

Students

125
Number of students
Citywide Average is 608

Race/Ethnicity


School
Citywide
Low-income students
 
93%
Students with disabilities
 
19%
Multilingual learners
 
9%
From the 2024-25 Demographic Snapshot

Safety & Vibe

School
Citywide
How many students were suspended?
 
1%
How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
 
93%
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
 
24%
How many students say that some are bullied at their school because of their gender or sexual orientation?
 
17%
How many teachers say they would recommend this school to other families?
 
100%
From the 2023-24 NYC School Survey and 2023-24 NY State Report Card

Faculty & Staff

School
Citywide
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
 
100%
10.1
Years of principal experience at this school
Citywide Average is 8
66
Number of students for each guidance counselor or social worker
Citywide Average is 119

Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity


How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
 
100%
Are teachers effective?
From the 2023-24 NYC School Survey, 2023-24 School Quality Guide, 2022-23 Report on School-Based Staff Demographics, 2025 Guidance Counselor Report, and this school's most recent Quality Review Report

College and Career Readiness

School
Citywide
From the 2023-24 School Quality Guide
For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Contact & Location

Location

145 West 84 Street
Manhattan NY 10024

Trains: 1 Line, B Line, C Line to 86th St; 2 Line, 3 Line to 96th St

Buses: M10, M104, M11, M5, M7, M79, M86-SBS


Contact

Principal: Daniel Storchan

Parent Coordinator: Jaimee Fischer

Phone: 212-724-2039

Website

Other Details

Shared campus? Yes

This school shares the Louis D. Brandeis Educational Campus with four other schools

Uniforms required? No
Metal detectors? Yes

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