Our Insights
What’s Special
Project-based school for new immigrants learning English
The Downside
Few sports
Brooklyn International High School (BIHS) is a small, supportive school that serves students who have been in the country for four years or less who are learning the English language. Students come from more than 30 countries representing more than 35 languages, including French, Arabic, Mandarin, Fulani, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Spanish and Russian. The school opened in 1994 in partnership with International Network for Public Schools, an organization with long experience preparing new immigrants for college, including those who have had little schooling in their home country.
Academics & Instruction: Because students arrive at the school with different educational backgrounds and degrees of English fluency, classes mix age groups. Ninth- and 10th-graders study together with the same teachers for two years to improve their language skills. The teens work together in groups at tables where they often collaborate on projects and translate for one another.
The school is a member of the New York Performance Standards Consortium. Most high schools require students to take five Regents exams to graduate, but at consortium schools, students take only the English language arts exam. In the other high school subjects, students present portfolios of their work to a panel of teachers, students and visitors to demonstrate what they have learned in school and provide evidence of progress. These may take the form of an essay or research paper, an original science experiment or the application of higher-level mathematics.
In 11th grade, students participate in internships to acquaint them with the world of work and to help them develop their English in a non-school setting. Past sites include schools, hospitals, stores, restaurants and organizations such as Mixteca, which fosters a welcoming community and support for Mexican and Latin-American immigrants. A paid work-based learning program is also offered through the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC).
Themes & Programs: Students may explore jobs in the field of PK-12 education in partnership with the Future Ready NYC program, including internships or apprenticeships in education. Through this program they also get assistance creating a plan for next steps after high school graduation and have access to early college credits and career credentials.
Students also participate in interesting projects and internships through the Beam Center, a nonprofit that uses art, design and technology to boost interest in science and engineering . The school’s “Fab Lab,” set up with help from Beam, has 3-D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, and circuitry and woodworking tools. BIHS has a media arts library where students work on multimedia projects and films. The school also offers studio art and dance.
Culture & Environment: Students are trained to take the lead in creating a positive school culture. All teens take part in Restorative Justice circles, where they talk through conflicts and build strategies for healthy relationships. A Restorative Justice Youth Team creates workshops and activities for students, staff and families to help make the school a more inclusive environment. A wellness team consists of a guidance counselor and a social worker as well as two on-site multilingual therapists.
Building & Facilities: Founded in 1994, the school is in the Water’s Edge Educational Campus, a former torpedo factory in downtown Brooklyn. It shares the building with Science Skills Center and the Urban Assembly High School of Music and Art. Sports are few on site, just bowling, soccer and cricket.
Special education and English as a new language (ENL): Two special education teachers support students with Individual Educational Plans.
College & Career: Two college counselors meet with individual seniors weekly to work on college applications, financial aid forms, scholarships, plus college and technical school enrollment. Alumni also help out and serve in roles such as community coordinator, paraprofessional, school secretary, school aide and as teaching artists. BIHS partners with CUNYs Immigrant Ambassador Program, which pays college students to mentor immigrant and undocumented high school students. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, August 2023)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryBrooklyn International High School (K53A)
Program Description:
Thematic-based, interdisciplinary course structure.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), Biology (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited])
Boys PSAL teams
Bowling, Soccer
Girls PSAL teams
Bowling, Soccer, Table Tennis
Coed PSAL teams
Cricket
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
49 Flatbush Avenue Extension
Brooklyn
NY
11201
Trains: , , , , , , , to High St; , to DeKalb Av; to York St; to Lawrence St
Buses: B103, B25, B26, B38, B41, B45, B52, B54, B57, B61, B62, B65, B67, B69
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Water's Edge Educational Campus with two other schools
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