University Heights Secondary School
Grades: 9-12Our Insights
What’s Special
Small school feel with lots of variety in classes and enrichment
The Downside
Popular, many applicants
University Heights Secondary School, in the South Bronx, offers a mix of small-school attention and the range of programs you’d expect at a larger school. Students can apply to programs in STEM and Humanities, and choose from a wide range of activities during and after school. There are also opportunities to earn college credits and participate in internships.
The school aims for a warm, noncompetitive, discussion-based learning culture. Students call teachers by their first names, but teachers expect academic maturity. For example, 10th-graders learn to use the Modern Language Association (MLA) writing style when keeping research logs for major science projects.
University Heights is part of a consortium of 30 schools that require students to complete in-depth research projects and present portfolios of their work, rather than taking exit exams to earn their diploma. Students must also complete at least one college course and community service to graduate.
The school has a strong focus on science and math, with advanced courses for students at different levels, including AP Calculus, Statistics, AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP Science and Genetics. In a popular 9th-grade course, students tackle engineering design challenges, building projects such as battery-powered cars, trebuchets, and bridges.
Students may also take college courses for credit, taught by professors from Bronx Community College.
Staff members say the school is well run and recommend it to other families, according to the NYC School Survey. Every Friday, the staff enjoy breakfast together on site, a tradition as old as the school.
The school is housed in a former elementary school building shared with Mott Haven Village Preparatory School. The building is older with narrow hallways.
University Heights offers electives including theater, creative writing, band, robotics, genetics, and neuroscience. Extracurriculars include Bronx Lacrosse, dance and theater, gaming, mock trial, cooking, web design, and yoga. Sports teams are shared with Mott Haven Village Prep
Students get free medical and mental health services at an onsite health clinic run by Montefiore Hospital. Each grade has its own social worker. (Lydie Raschka, official reports, September 2026)
Get more from InsideSchools
School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity
College and Career Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryHumanities (X96A)
Requirements:
- Average Course Grades - 50%
- Essay - 50%
Program Description:
Our Humanities program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the studies of literature, the arts and social sciences. Students are exposed to common threads found in different cultures and human history. They will develop critical thinking skills, communicate efficiency and make cross curricular connections. Their academic experience will foster curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relation to the world. This program requires students to complete an assignment as part of admissions. Soon, you will be able to upload your completed assignment through MySchools. Learn more at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/AssessmentHS
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) (X96B)
Requirements:
- Average Course Grades - 50%
- Essay - 50%
Program Description:
Our STEM program is based on preparing students for college and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. We provide rigorous and hands-on courses in science, technology and math, including robotics, media, history of engineering and inquiry, technology, calculus, computer science, statistics, and more. Qualified students can do an executive apprenticeship in the STEM fields (including medicine and/or science research).
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, Arts (College Course [Credited]), Biology (College Course [Credited]), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Comp Sci/Math Tech (College Course [Credited]), Econ/Gov (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Uncredited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited])
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Rugby, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball
Girls PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Flag Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
701 St. Anns Avenue
Bronx
NY
10455
Trains:
,
to Jackson Av
Buses: Bx13, Bx15, Bx17, Bx19, Bx2, Bx21, Bx4, Bx41, Bx41-SBS, Bx46, Bx6, Bx6-SBS, M125
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the South Bronx Educational Campus with one other school
Was this information helpful?
Get more from InsideSchools
You may also like …
New Visions Charter High School for the Humanities II
Bronx, NY 10455
H.E.R.O. High (Health, Education, and Research Occupations High School)
Bronx, NY 10455
Comments