Edward R. Murrow High School

The school keeps kids engaged by giving them lots of options and the space to explore them. Unlike schools that require students to specialize, students here don’t have to choose between studying art and conducting science research or taking business courses. They may take art classes and perform in school productions even if they are not enrolled in the arts programs. Being able to participate in the arts helps kids make new friends and “get a break from cliques,” according to a parent.

There are myriad Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses, as well as class settings for students who are struggling. Rather than taking a traditional two-semester course, those needing extra support in classes such as algebra and living environment are taught the subjects over three semesters.

Group work and projects dominate in some classes, though in many classes teacher-directed lessons remain the norm. Regardless of the class structure, teachers try to build in time for student discussion and reflection.

Students with qualifying grades and test scores may be considered for MSTAR (Murrow Science Technology and Research), the school’s honors math and science program that grooms students for the Intel Science Talent Search and other science competitions. Many students in MSTAR are also enrolled in one of the screened arts programs.

Those interested in business and computer applications can participate in Virtual Enterprise (VE), a certified CTE (Career and Technical Education) program where students run all facets of a mock company and participate in local and national VE competitions. Other themed programs include medicine, law, dance and writing.

Murrow’s performing and fine arts programs are top-notch and attract a lot of talented students. The music department hosts 10 performance groups ranging from gospel and madrigal choirs to concert, jazz and symphonic bands. Theatrical performances take place throughout the year in the school’s 980-seat main theater and in the more intimate black box theater. Both venues are equipped with professional lighting and sound technology that are maintained by students in the technical theater program. Students create the sets and costumes for all theatrical performances and run the school's box office. Visual arts studios and classes abound; a lot of impressive student artwork is on display throughout the building.

A music technology program was created with support from Levi’s and performer Alicia Keys. Students learn all the technical aspects of music production in a state-of-the-art recording studio. Music technology classes follow an inclusion model, with half the seats reserved for students with special needs.

Despite overcrowding, Murrow manages to maintain a complex scheduling structure. Though conflicts are inevitable, in general students are not locked into a set of courses or locked out of others because of the program they’re admitted to in 9th grade. Classes meet four times a week at different times on different days, each for 50-minute periods called "bands." Students have free bands built into their schedules to give them time to relax, work independently and collaborate with their peers.

Classes in Murrow's seven gyms range from martial arts to yoga, and a television production room hosts film and broadcasting classes. Environmental science classes, after-school clubs and the hydroponics program make use of the school’s rooftop greenhouse. Astronomy, one of the school’s most popular classes, is taught in the cutting-edge planetarium, which draws a live data feed from the American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space. Many students spend their free time in the school’s student center, where there’s plenty of space for them to socialize, eat, work, relax or even play a game of ping pong or air hockey.

An eclectic mix of more than 50 student clubs and activities ensures that there’s something for everyone. Students also participate in all kinds of competitions, including art, performance, writing, math and mock trial.

In 2012, Murrow introduced PSAL sports teams for the first time in the school’s history and since then have expanded its options.

There’s a dedicated college office, and starting in the 11th grade guidance counselors visit classes to walk juniors through the college admissions process. Graduating students go on to CUNY and SUNY schools as well as highly selective private colleges and universities. Schools such as Cooper Union, Parsons, Pratt, School of Visual Arts and Rhode Island School of Design are popular among visual and fine arts students

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Murrow has self-contained and ICT (integrated collaborative teaching) classes, SETSS, physical and occupational therapy and adaptive physical education classes. There is an alternative assessment program that provides life skills and academic instruction for students who are unable to take a traditional academic load because of severe disabilities. As with the rest of the Murrow population, students in the alternative assessment programs may take arts classes and participate in school productions.

Special classes and push-in support are provided to English language learners (ELLs). Bilingual instruction is provided for native Spanish and Mandarin Chinese speakers. (Laura Zingmond, November 2014; updated via interview and web reports February 2018)