Our Insights
What’s Special
Spanish-speaking students new to this country learn about robotics and aviation
The Downside
Many students with low skills need to catch up
Founded in 1994 to serve Spanish-speaking students who are new to this country, Gregorio Luperon is a safe and welcoming school where students feel inspired to learn, according to school surveys. A new program in robotics and aviation, launched in 2018, expands the school’s offerings in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Students may learn the fundamentals of flight by constructing hot air balloons made of tissue paper, “rockets” made of rubber balloons, and model airplanes made from balsa wood; 24 students, 12 male and 12 female, may take part in the You Can Fly program designed to encourage students to consider a career as a pilot. “Our goal is more females in engineering and math,” said robotics teacher Jonas De Leon, who is also a pilot.
The contemporary school building, which opened in 2008, is flooded with light and cheery colors. It boasts science labs, a large gym and a library filled good-sized worktables, computers and windows overlooking trees and a church with a round stained-glass window.
Plans for the new STEM program include a Federal Aviation Administration-approved aviation training simulator, as well as Advanced Placement courses in physics, biology, computer science, calculus and advanced robotics, according to the Washington Heights Patch.
Many students arrive with weak academic skills, and the school’s 4-year graduation rate is below average. However, about 80 percent of students graduate within 6 years.
“Students are treated with a great sense of respect,” according to the school’s Comprehensive Education Plan. “Students’ attendance is always high, and many students and staff members remark that the school feels more like a family than a school. (Clara Hemphill, DOE statistics and news reports, August 2018)
[Photo: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
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Advanced Courses
Calculus
Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
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Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryBilingual Spanish Science & Mathematics (M62A)
Program Description:
Students take a four year sequence in Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies in a bilingual setting; extensive sequence of English as a New Language and English Language Arts; Spanish AP Language and their choice of other AP courses and/or electives; and modified programs to serve the needs of Newcomers transitioning to New York City. All four years encompass objectives of college and career preparedness and readiness.
Dual Language Spanish (M62B)
Program Description:
Dual Language programs are designed to integrate English Language Learners with English-proficient students to receive content instruction in English and a target language. This program is open to all students regardless of interest area.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Seminar, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, Chemistry (Advanced Science), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science), Physics (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball
Girls PSAL teams
Softball, Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
501 West 165Th Street
Manhattan
NY
10032
Trains: to 168th St; to 168th St - Washington Heights; to 163rd St - Amsterdam Av
Buses: Bx6, Bx6-SBS, Bx7, M10, M100, M101, M2, M3, M4, M5
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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