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Design Works, established in 2023 with support from Pratt Institute and Bank Street College, prioritizes practical, hands-on education both inside and outside the classroom. The high school's mission statement was crafted by students, and the school's website was created by Pratt School of Design students.
Academics & Instruction: The school brings an equity and social justice focus to the design theme. Ninth-graders study how housing and environmental issues affect their community, including the politics of poverty and inequality. Beginning in 10th grade, they choose one of three pathways to stick with through graduation: art equity, housing equity, or tech equity. These pathways are designed to prepare students for careers in digital design or branding, urban planning or architecture, and software engineering or IT. Students follow design thinking protocols, tackling real-world challenges like reducing single-use plastic in a community. They design a solution, test it, and present it to the people impacted by the problem.
Pratt has several terrific offerings for eligible high school students. Design Initiative for Community Empowerment (DICE) is a free weekly after-school program, with classes on topics such as graphic design, animation, and architecture. Pratt faculty lead the classes, connecting students with career opportunities and civic engagement. Additionally, Pratt offers classes on Saturdays or in the summer for students in grades 9-12.
Culture & Environment: Staff visit accepted students at home before the school year begins. Students meet in advisory groups several times a week. Teachers hold “office hours” daily to offer students extra help and time if they are falling behind in class.
Building & Facilities: Starting in fall 2024, Design Works will share a building with MS 915 Bridges at 664 Pacific Street in Prospect Heights. The new building includes a cafeteria, gymnasium, outdoor and rooftop play areas, a science room, and a library.
College & Career: The school offers a mandatory college preparation course for 11th- and 12th-graders. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, April 2024)
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School Stats
Students
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Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryDesign Works High School
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryContact & Location
Location
424 Albee Square West
Brooklyn
NY
11201
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