Our Insights
What’s Special
Strong support for new immigrants over age 16 who are learning English
The Downside
Not many sports options when students turn 18
Founded in 2008, the English Language Learners and International Support Preparatory Academy (ELLIS) is part of the Internationals Network for Public Schools, an organization with long experience in preparing new immigrants for college. ELLIS serves immigrant students aged 16 and older, welcoming learners from over 20 countries who are learning English. These students bring a wide range of educational backgrounds, from little formal schooling to students who are close to graduation.
Teachers do a good job of helping students catch up on credits, according to city data. Lessons incorporate a mix of group and individual work and many are hands-on and interactive. For example, in physics younger students build and test model cars, while older students engage in debates through Socratic seminars. In advanced biology, students perform mock autopsies to learn about body systems.
ELLIS has a longer school year (September to July) and trimester schedule that helps students earn credits faster. Students must pass only two Regents exams, in English and math. Students write essays, research papers, lab reports, and math problem-solving reports to demonstrate their understanding across core subjects. They present their work orally. Freshmen also write a paper about their English learning experience, first in their native language and then translated into English.
Third-year students can apply for an international trip, with 30 spots available. This trip, tied to their global curriculum, has included destinations like Italy and France.
The high school fosters a strong college-going culture. Recent graduates have been accepted to SUNY University at Buffalo, CUNY Hunter College, SUNY Oneonta, the University of Albany, and more selective schools like Skidmore College and Barnard College. Students can also earn certifications in fields like carpentry, electrical work, and tech (Google, Microsoft, Java).
The Mission Society offers weekly counseling and emotional health referrals. They place students in internships with organizations like Power Academy, So-Bro, Grow NY, Microsoft, architectural and accounting firms, veterinary clinics and more. They also provide college counseling, attendance support, and organize events like art therapy, movie nights, and karaoke to keep teens engaged.
The adult-to-student ratio at ELLIS is 1:7, ensuring close supervision by teachers, counselors, and social workers. According to the NYC School Survey, students feel safe at the school and teachers very highly recommend it to families.
ELLIS is housed in the large Kennedy Educational Complex with six other schools. PSAL sports are available for all students, but once they age-out at 18, options are limited. Occasionally, a teacher organizes weekend soccer games. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, July 2024)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Physics
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
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Contact & Location
Location
99 Terrace View Avenue
Bronx
NY
10463
Trains: to Marble Hill-225th St
Buses: Bx1, Bx10, Bx2, Bx20, Bx7, Bx9, M100
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the John F. Kennedy Educational Campus with six other schools
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