J.H.S. 292 Margaret S. Douglas

JHS (MS) 292 is a zoned middle school in East New York that offers a districtwide honors program for gifted students. It is located in a low-income neighborhood and the school offers myriad supports for students as well as opportunities for them to give back to the community with fund-raising and other community service activities, according to its educational plan

JHS 292 is a host site for the Department of Educations DREAM Institute, a prep course for the specialized high school exam. The school offers its own prep course, beginning in 7th grade. Graduates have been admitted to Brooklyn Tech and Stuyvesant High School, according to the school's education plan.Some students take accelerated courses for high school credit in biology and algebra.

There are mentoring groups for girls and boys as well as a Student Council. In addition to general academic courses, students may choose from elective courses in technology, robotics, photography, graphic design, martial arts, visual arts, fitness, and chess. Dance, robotics, drumming and sports teams are offered in the after school program.

District 19 has seen a decline in enrollment in most of its schools over the past decade and enrollment at JHS 292 has dropped significantly. In 2017, student enrollment dipped below 600, from nearly 900 in 2007. Many new charter and other small schools have opened in the district, causing more competition for students.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: About one-quarter of the students have special needs, more than half of them are in self-contained classrooms, according to Department of Education statistics.

ADMISSIONS: Neighborhood school in District 19. Entrance to the honors program is based on an interview and entrance exam as well as a review of 4th grade report card, state exam results and attendance. (Pamela Wheaton, web reports, July 2017)