Our Insights
What’s Special
Students may graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s college degree
The Downside
Many students miss a month or more of school
HERO High School is a six-year school serving grades 9 to 14. It is designed to permit students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree (or earn up to two years of college credit) in nursing or community health earned by taking free classes at Hostos Community College.
Students explore career options such as becoming a nurse, teacher, or nonprofit manager during 9th and 10th grades. By the end of 10th grade, they choose a pathway to focus on for the remainder of their time at HERO.
The school provides degrees and certifications for career readiness, like the licensed practical/vocational nurse training certificate. The Community Health program trains students to improve healthcare in minority communities. Non-profit management track students can apprentice with major employers beginning in the 11th grade. Paid internships are available for all students, whether at the school or in various industries like finance, technology, and business.
By their 5th year, students are immersed in college courses. Though they spend their days at Hostos College, 5th- and 6th-year students continue to receive counseling and tutoring from HERO staff.
The school provides comprehensive support for students. Tutoring is available daily. Study halls are led by the school’s strongest teachers who help students develop skills necessary for success in high school and college. In 9th grade, students take double periods of English and a public speaking course. Tenth-graders take psychology and sociology, in preparation for college-level coursework in the same subjects the following year.
Free counseling is offered to families and students. With at least six social workers on staff, there's one per 100 students. And students participate in advisory groups, remaining with the same group of students and advisor throughout their high school years.
A popular feature at HERO are Friday trips to the city’s museums, Montefiore Hospital, St. Mary’s Park, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and other destinations. Students travel with their advisory groups.
Since 2021, the school has been expanding to accommodate 1000 students, nearly doubling its size. While the school is offering more enrichment, some students say teachers don’t notice when they are upset and report an increase in bullying, according to the NYC School Survey. Attendance remains a persistent issue, but the school actively monitors and supports students who struggle to show up regularly.
Many students stay all six years, but some graduate after four, opting to attend a four-year college. HERO welcomes its alumni back for job hunting, tutoring, and other support.
Housed in the Samuel Gompers Educational Campus, HERO shares the building and sports teams with Mott Haven Community High School. More than 20 after-school activities include theater, visual arts, music, dance, anime, and herstory (feminist perspective of history). (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, May 2024)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Not offered in 2021-21Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Math or Science
Not offered in 2021-21Music
Not offered in 2021-21College Readiness
Visit Understanding FAFSA for help with the FAFSA and financial aid.
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryHERO High (Health, Education, and Research Occupations High School) (X37A)
Program Description:
Students may take up to six years to complete their high school program which includes earning an Associate degree (or up to two years of college credit) and participating in internships.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), Arts (College Course [Credited]), Biology (College Course [Credited]), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Econ/Gov (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (College Course [Credited])
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Outdoor Track, Soccer
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Table Tennis, Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
455 Southern Blvd
Bronx
NY
10455
Trains: , to Jackson Av; to East 143rd St-St Mary's St
Buses: Bx17, Bx19, Bx33, Bx4
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Samuel Gompers Educational Campus with two other schools
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