Harlem Renaissance High School

Harlem Renaissance High School, in partnership with the New York Mission Society, provides a small, supportive academic environment for students who haven't had success at their previous high school. 

The curriculum focuses on college- and career-readiness skills and, according to the school's Quality Review, the school does a particulary good job supporting students with special needs. The Quality Review also highlights college guidance as a strength. College counselors communicate with all parents by phone and through in-person meetings, and one parent praised this "open-door policy."

Students can take part in the Learning to Work program, which provides job training and workshops, paid internships and college prep. Partnerships with other community-based organizations provide arts programming and student health resources. Extracurricular activities include radio production and video journalism, and students can participate in gardening activities in the school's garden and greenhouse. 

The school's graduation rate is roughly the same as the citywide average for transfer schools.

Friction between teachers and former principal Nadav Zeimer was an ongoing problem at Harlem Renaissance. On school surveys, consistently low numbers of teachers said they trusted the principal or one another. In February 2017, Zeimer, who had been brought in to improve student and teacher performance, was removed from his post after facing resistance to his efforts, reported the New York Times. James Caputo has since taken over as principal.

ADMISSIONS: Prior to acceptance, students must be interviewed with a parent/guardian. Call the school to schedule an interview and for more information about what to bring. (Elizabeth Herr, online reports, June 2018)