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Our Insights

What’s Special

Multicultural student body; lots of programs in the arts and sciences

The Downside

Graduation rate has a ways to go

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School (FDR) is a large neighborhood school with a student body that hails from more than 75 countries and speaks more than 50 different languages at home. The school admits students who are zoned for the school as well as others from across Brooklyn who enter via one of several themed programs.  

Like many other large schools, FDR has something for everyone. The course catalog is comparable in size to that of a small college. For instance, in addition to traditional English classes there are courses such as Novel to Film, Crime and Punishment, Speech, Mythology, Bible as Literature and The Spoken Word—to name just a few. There’s also a broad range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, music and theater performances, sports teams and the school’s newspaper, aptly called The New Dealer.

In recent years the school has expanded its arts programs and added options that focus on science and technology. Open to Brooklyn students, these programs include robotics, environmental studies, science research, performing arts, multimedia design and technical theater. All these programs offer four-year-sequences of courses in service of their themes that students take in addition to the core subjects of English, math, science and history.

Also like many other large schools, FDR serves a broad range of learners. There are honors courses in all academic subjects, as well as Advanced Placement and other college-level courses for students ready for the challenge. And there are a range of class settings and supports for struggling learners, English language learners, and recent immigrants who arrive with interrupted education and perform well below grade level.

Tapping into its multilingual community, the school offers a dual-language program where students learn in both English and Mandarin Chinese. In addition to a range of Spanish language classes, including dedicated sections for native speakers, there are also transitional bilingual programs for native Chinese and Spanish speakers who are still learning English, as well as dedicated classes taught in English for students still learning English as a new language.

The broad range of students' skill levels is reflected in the school's data. On one hand, roughly half of FDR's students graduate “college ready,” meaning they will not need to take remedial courses at a CUNY college. Additionally, students earn Advanced Regents diplomas, meaning they take and pass a more challenging load of courses and Regents exams, at a rate that exceeds the citywide average. On the other hand, the school’s overall graduation rate is below the citywide average; it’s particularly low for students with special needs.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: There is a full range of services and class settings, including self-contained and ICT (Integrated Collaborative Teaching) classes. (Laura Zingmond, web reports, May 2018)

 

 

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School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Academics

School
Citywide
How many students graduate in 4 years?
 
74%
How many students with disabilities graduate in 4 years?
 
50%
How many English language learners graduate in 4 years?
 
60%
Average daily attendance
 
82%
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
 
49%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school offers enough activities and services for their children's needs?
 
92%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school works to achieve the goals of their students' IEPs?
 
92%
From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide and 2020-21 NYC School Survey

Students

3258
Number of students
Citywide Average is 599

Race/Ethnicity


School
Citywide
Low-income students
 
77%
Students with disabilities
 
18%
Multilingual learners
 
29%
From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Safety & Vibe

School
Citywide
How many students were suspended?
 
0%
How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
 
87%
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
 
31%
How many students say that some are bullied at their school because of their gender or sexual orientation?
 
23%
From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey and 2019-20 NY State Report Card

Faculty & Staff

School
Citywide
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
 
59%
7.2
Years of principal experience at this school
Citywide Average is 7
192
Number of students for each guidance counselor or social worker
Citywide Average is 157

Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity


How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
 
83%
Are teachers effective?
From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey, 2021-22 School Quality Guide, 2019-20 Report on School-Based Staff Demographics, 2021 Guidance Counselor Report, and this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Advanced Courses

Which students have access to advanced courses at this school? Learn more

Calculus

 
4%

Computer Science

 
2%

Physics

 
10%

Advanced Foreign Language

 
86%

AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science

 
27%

AP/IB Math or Science

 
12%

Music

 
42%
From unpublished, anonymized data from the 2021-22 school year provided by the New York State Education Department, brought to you by

College Readiness

School
Citywide
How many students graduate with test scores high enough to enroll at CUNY without remedial help?
 
44%
How many students take a college-level course or earn a professional certificate?
 
60%
How many students who have graduated from this high school stay in college for at least 3 semesters?
 
57%
From the 2020-21 and 2021-22 School Quality Guide
How many students filled out a FAFSA form by the end of their senior year?
 
65%
From the 2022-23 FAFSA data released by Federal Student Aid, brought you by
For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Programs & Admissions

From the 2024 High School Directory

STEAM-Robotics/Programming (K16A)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

Students will explore the field of robotic design using a variety of hands on activities. Students begin with an introduction to the tools used to create robotic devices. As they progress through the series of classes, computer programming becomes an essential and vital element. This culminates in a capstone design project and teaching assistant positions for students to mentor our incoming engineers. Our Robotics Academy offers opportunities for scholarships and research opportunities.

STEAM-Environmental Studies (K16C)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

This is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in understanding the natural and urban environment and environmental ethics through hands-on and project-based learning. Students will develop analytical and process skills that will prepare them for college and a career in environmental science and emerging green industries. In addition, students will explore the real-world use of hydroponics and the importance of green living. This culminates in a Capstone Project for Seniors.

STEAM-Performing Arts (K16D)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

Theater and music preparation program with courses in acting, movement, music theory, technical theater, and theater history. Students have the opportunity to perform in school plays, recitals, talent shows, multicultural shows, and Sing!

STEAM-Multimedia Design (K16E)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

While introducing students to the vast history of the different presentations of media that fuel the communications industry: graphic arts, advertising, film and television, podcasting, the program examines critical issues and events locally and internationally as it applies to the African Diaspora. The program looks to prepare students for interests in fields of broadcast media and its public relations. Students will contribute to and participate in a school podcast, visual media shows/ productions trips to organizations that support the mass media industry, and participate in internships.

STEAM-Medical, Health, and Sciences (K16F)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

This program will allow students to explore concepts and career paths in the Medical, Health Science fields, through hands-on and project-based learning. Students will record observations, develop questions, design and conduct experiments, collect and interpret data, and propose new ideas from their conclusions. Students will have the opportunity to use multimedia to present their research articles or findings as a Capstone Project to panels of their peers in class, science fairs, research symposiums, and competitions throughout NYC.

Technical Theater (K16G)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

This is a comprehensive program that is designed to expose students to the multiple functions that go into theatrical productions. Courses include: stage design, theater business, theater management, and lighting/sound design. In addition to the annual spring musical, students may showcase their talents in SING, holiday and spring concerts.

Dual Language Chinese (K16H)

Admissions Method: Screened: Language

Program Description:

Dual Language programs are designed to integrate English Language Learners with English-proficient students to receive content instruction in English and a target language.

Studio Art Design (K16I)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

This program encourages student creativity through self-expression in Visual Arts with a 4-year sequence of coursework and elective opportunities . Courses include Art Appreciation, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Fashion, and Ceramics, with the culminating course in Advanced Placement Art: 2D. All rooms are 21st Century state of the art and are dedicated solely to arts education. Students are engaged in portfolio development upon entrance into the program. Teachers work with students on the post-secondary application process for those interested in pursuing further study in the Arts. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students may be eligible to apply for a Regent's Endorsed Diploma with Advanced Designation in the Arts or a Certificate of Arts Achievement based upon the completion of their requirements.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School ACES 15:1 Program (K16Y)

Admissions Method: ASD/ACES Program

Zoned (K16Z)

Admissions Method: Zoned Guarantee

Program Description:

Comprehensive academic program.

Offerings

From the 2024 High School Directory

Language Courses

Mandarin, Spanish

Advanced Courses

Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, AP Seminar, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art - 2D, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Chemistry (Advanced Science), Econ/Gov (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science), Science (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

Boys PSAL teams

Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Football, Handball, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

Girls PSAL teams

Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Flag Football, Handball, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball

Coed PSAL teams

Cricket, Golf

Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools

NYC Department of Education: MySchools

Contact & Location

Location

5800 20 Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11204

Trains: F Line to Bay Parkway-22nd Av; N Line to 20th Av

Buses: B11, B6, B8, B9


Contact

Principal: Melanie Katz

Parent Coordinator: Yamilex Lopez

Website

Other Details

Shared campus? No

This school is in its own building.

Uniforms required? No
Metal detectors? No

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