Our Insights
What’s Special
Project-based school for new immigrants learning English
The Downside
Limited clubs and activities
The International High School at Lafayette serves new immigrants who are learning to read, write and speak the English language. It was founded in 2005 with Internationals Network for Public Schools, which includes 31 schools nationwide that focus on educating new immigrants who have been in the country four years or less. Students come from more than 30 different countries.
Academics & Instruction: Like all the international schools, classes are taught mostly in English. The largest percentage of students here speak Spanish, as do many staff. Other languages include Russian, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Urdu, Uzbek and Cantonese.
Teachers help students in their native languages but expect tests and projects to be done in English. Classes combine students of different academic levels, so students can help one another. Field trips and 11th grade internships are an important part of the learning process, allowing teens to talk and write in English in everyday situations.
While many high schools need students to pass five NY State Regents exams, IHSPH only asks for two: English language arts and math. In the other subjects, students show their work through essays, research papers, art projects or science experiments to a group of teachers and visitors. Teens get two years of weekly mentoring to get ready.
Many students face challenges. Teachers adjust how and what they teach based on students’ needs. Those who have missed a lot of school take a special English class with only five to ten students focused on reading and vocabulary. These students also attend homework help sessions after school and a club on Saturdays to practice English while exploring New York City.
Students may earn college credit for free by taking classes through Kingsborough Community College. This program was designed to help middle-achieving students get ready for college. High school teachers, who meet all the criteria, teach the courses at the high school.
Culture & Environment: The small school has had steady numbers of students for many years. Students report that they feel safe in school on the NYC School Survey. The school uses the Restorative Practice model to train students to prevent and work through conflict.
College & Career: Seniors take a college and career support class and college exploration starts earlier.
Building & Facilities: The school shares the Lafayette Educational Complex with four other schools. Students may take part in a wide array of sports, including football. They must pass through metal detectors at the entrance. (Lydie Raschka, Web reports, November 2023)
Get more from InsideSchools
School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Physics
Not offered in 2021-21Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Math or Science
Not offered in 2021-21Music
Not offered in 2021-21College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryInternational High School at Lafayette (K38R)
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), Chemistry (Advanced Science), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Science (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (College Course [Uncredited])
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Football, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Flag Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Table Tennis, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Cricket
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
2630 Benson Avenue
Brooklyn
NY
11214
Trains: to Bay 50th St; to 86th St
Buses: B1, B3, B4, B6, B64, B82, B82-SBS, X28, X38
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Lafayette Educational Campus with four other schools
Was this information helpful?
Get more from InsideSchools
You may also like …
Life Academy High School for Film and Music
Brooklyn, NY 11214
Leaders High School
Brooklyn, NY 11214
Comments