Our Insights
What’s Special
Everyone studies computer science; supportive environment
The Downside
Uneven gender ratio
The Bronx Academy for Software Engineering (BASE) is a high school that delivers on its name. Students learn computer programming and study topics such as cybersecurity and data design while also taking a full load of academic classes. Many students participate in tech-related internships at businesses and local organizations.
Students study computer science for at least 3 years: All 9th-graders take an introductory course on basic coding and web-based design. In 10th grade, students study coding languages such as Python and Java. In 11th grade, students may choose among courses including Advanced Placement Computer Science, cybersecurity or UX/UI (user experience/user interface) principles. In 12th grade students may take a class in data design.
Real world, collaborative learning: Students work together on projects that involve real-world analysis and problem solving. For example, in geometry, students study the mathematical principles of redlining, which is the discriminatory practice of mapping out neighborhoods that exclude Black and other minority families. In Advanced Placement English, students read the play “Waiting for Godot”. At the same time they study commentaries that analyze the historical contexts in which versions of the play were presented, such as post-war Sarejevo and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The project culminates with students performing scenes from the play.
A lot of support for students: Each teacher serves as an advisor to a small group of students. Together, they meet regularly to discuss students’ social and learning growth and for college guidance. Each student is matched with a mentor from tech or related industries. Students develop relationships with their mentors through email correspondence and in-person events at the school.
Transformative Justice: BASE embraces a program they call “transformative justice” (TJ). TJ encourages students to take political action to solve community problems and to resolve conflicts with fellow students through discussion, reflection, and corrective action. Older students mentor freshmen and serve as peer mediators. TJ also informs class lessons. For instance, to learn how to advocate for better laws, students study New York State’s system of government and then perform a mock legislative session with some role-playing as constituents and others as legislators.
Family outreach is a priority: A team of teachers conducts regular outreach to all BASE families. They call and email parents and guardians to check in and make sure families know that the school is a resource for them too.
BASE wants more girls to apply: The school is predominantly male, though the uneven enrollment reflects similar trends in the male-dominated technology industry. BASE wants to change this. In addition to focusing recruitment efforts on female-identifying students, once enrolled, BASE matches them with female mentors and offers some female-only events, trips, and activities.
Some questions to ask on a tour
What are the range of advanced and college-level classes offered? Is there enough room in these classes for all students who want to take them?
How does the school help students with disabilities and those learning English in their classes and to graduate on time? Ask for details.
What is "action-based” grading and how does it help students? Ask for examples of BASE's grading systerm, where instead of getting traditional number or letter grades on tests and assignments, students get feedback from their teachers on how well they are progressing on skills they are expected to learn. (Laura Zingmond, interview and web reports, August 2022)
Get more from InsideSchools
School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2019-20Computer Science
Physics
Not offered in 2019-20Advanced Foreign Language
Not offered in 2019-20AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
Not offered in 2019-20College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2021 High School DirectoryBronx Academy for Software Engineering (BASE)
Program Description:
All BASE students take four years of computer science, learning programming languages like HTML5, Javascript, and Java. Students use Design Thinking, a human-centered problem-solving approach to solve real-world problems. Seniors do a capstone project where they use skills from across disciplines to address a problem in their community. BASE students participate in citywide hackathons sponsored by groups like Code/Interactive and Forbes, and have had internships at SCENYC, Alvin Ailey, and Gilt.
Offerings
From the 2021 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Spanish
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
AP Computer Science A, AP English Language and Composition, AP Statistics, AP United States History
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
2474 Crotona Avenue
Bronx
NY
10458
Trains: N/A
Buses: Bx12, Bx12-SBS, Bx15, Bx17, Bx19, Bx22, Bx36, Bx9
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Grace Dodge Educational Campus with two other schools
Get more from InsideSchools
You may also like …
Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy International High School (KAPPA)
Bronx, NY 10458
Fordham High School for the Arts
Bronx, NY 10458
Comments