Our Insights
What’s Special
Students may graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s college degree
The Downside
School's growth means more class offerings and activities, but its larger size may not appeal to all
HERO High School wants South Bronx teens to look around the world, figure out who they are, and choose a career thoughtfully—not just take a career path solely out of necessity. Ninth- and 10th-graders do a deep dive into the three career pathways the school offers: education, health care, and nonprofit business management. Teens visit hospitals, schools, and businesses, and make an informed choice about which career pathway they want to study by the end of 10th grade.
Students may stay up to six years as they pursue a high school degree and a free associate’s degree (up to two years of college credit). This CTE (career and technical education) school also offers a licensed practical/vocational nurse training certificate.
The school has overlapping safety nets for students; academically, socially, and emotionally. Starting freshman year, teens have access to tutoring in every subject, every day. The school offers free counseling for families and students. There are at least six social workers on staff: one per 100 students. All students participate in paid internships earning between $15 and $25 an hour at companies in finance, technology and business.
Preparation for college starts early. Study halls take place with HERO’s strongest teachers, who help students practice the good study skills necessary for college. Ninth-graders take double periods of English and a public speaking course. Tenth-graders take psychology and sociology. Some high school subjects are designed to complement college classes. For example, students take high school-level anatomy and physiology the year prior to taking a college-level version of the course.
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 get support from HERO staff including counseling and tutoring.
A beloved feature of HERO High School 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.
Many students stay all six years but some graduate after four, opting to attend a four-year college. Even when they graduate, HERO welcomes its alumni back, for job hunting, tutoring, and other support.
Beginning in 2021, the school began an expansion, with a goal to grow to a total of 1000 students, almost double its former size. A larger school means more enrichment; however, it may not be the small school experience some students want.
In addition to a growing list of sports, after-school activities include more than 20 clubs such as theater, visual arts, music, dance, anime, and herstory (feminist perspective of history).
Housed in the Samuel Gompers Educational Campus, HERO shares the building with Mott Haven Community and New Visions Charter High School for the Humanities II.
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2019-20Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
Not offered in 2019-20AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
Not offered in 2019-20AP/IB Math or Science
Not offered in 2019-20Music
Not offered in 2019-20College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2021 High School DirectoryHERO High (Health, Education, and Research Occupations High School)
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 2021 High School DirectoryContact & Location
Location
455 Southern Boulevard
Bronx
NY
10455
Trains:
,
to Jackson Ave;
to East 143rd St-St Mary's St
Buses: Bx17, Bx19, Bx33, Bx4, Bx4A
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Samuel Gompers Educational Campus with two other schools
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