Our Insights
What’s Special
All-girls STEM program; Free after school for middle schoolers
The Downside
Attendance and school climate are a work-in-progress
Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women (UAI) is a small middle and high school that attracts female students from across Brooklyn. It offers a focused track to college.
Many students enter with low reading, writing and math skills, and need to catch up, but the school also provides opportunities for all levels, including a healthy selection of math courses, an engineering class at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and Advanced Placement Literature. UAI serves a diverse population including teens interested in medical or science fields, as well as those who may not feel comfortable in co-ed environments.
Throughout middle and high school, students have time to read and discuss books in class with peers. They also review each other’s writing. Teachers assess students to ensure they receive the extra support they may need in reading and writing, focusing on smooth and accurate reading, and identifying key themes in a book.
In middle school math classes, students are grouped by their needs, and participate in group activities like making graphs or planning budgets. For those who need extra help, teachers focus on developing quick, accurate math skills. Teachers use games and friendly competitions across all grades, such as Math Olympiads, to make learning more enjoyable.
Students can start high school-level math and science in 8th grade. In 10th grade, they join an engineering and technology forum, followed by intro to engineering in 11th grade. Science options include chemistry and physics. AP pre-calculus is a choice, and quantitative reasoning is available through Borough of Manhattan Community College.
Middle school electives focus on STEM, with classes like hydroponics, trout raising, and woodworking. A Family Life and Sexuality Education course covers puberty and healthy choices, while a weekly Power Group helps students adjust to middle school and build social skills. Visual arts and movement are offered during the school day.
Middle school students participate in after-school activities including computer programming, photography, or debate. A job club teaches career and money management skills.
After school, high school students take SAT prep and College Now classes, gain hands-on exposure to careers through job shadowing, and serve as peer leaders to younger students.
Class sizes average 25 students, often with two teachers. The school employs social workers, plus interns from Hunter College, and a guidance counselor. Staff advisors meet with 6th- and 9th-graders regularly to provide social and academic help.
Discipline, order, and attendance are an on-going challenge. While about half the students report bullying in the NYC School Survey, most also feel safe at school. Staff address teasing or bullying promptly. In the restorative justice process, students learn to prevent and resolve conflicts. To promote good habits, teachers encourage nonverbal cues of engagement, such as sitting up and nodding during instructions.
The school shares the renovated former family court building with Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice and a District 75 school for children with disabilities. Girls in grades 7 to 12 are allowed to go out for lunch with permission.
Visit the UAI website to see all the ways students are supported in the college process.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: There are ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching) classes on every grade. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, October 2024)
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School Stats
Is this school safe and well-run?
From the 2022-2023 NYC School Survey
From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card
From this school's most recent Quality Review Report
From 2023 End-of-year Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism Report
How do students perform academically?
From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database
From the 2022-23 School Quality Guide
Who does this school serve?
From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot
From the 2022-23 School Quality Guide
How does this school serve special populations?
From 2023 End-of-year Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism Report
From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryThe Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science (L54A)
Program Description:
Rigorous course work in science, computer technology, engineering, and math. Supportive classes in social emotional skill development and learning experiences with partner organizations and local colleges to prepare students for college and beyond.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Seminar, Calculus (Advanced Math), Chemistry (Advanced Science), ELA (College Course [Uncredited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science)
Boys PSAL teams
Basketball, Soccer
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
283 Adams Street
Brooklyn
NY
11201
Trains: , , , , to Borough Hall; , , to Jay St - Borough Hall; , to DeKalb Av; to Hoyt & Schermerhorn; , to High St
Buses: B103, B25, B26, B38, B41, B45, B52, B54, B57, B61, B62, B63, B65, B67, B69
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Adams Street Educational Campus with one other school
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