John Dewey High School
Grades: 9-12Our Insights
What’s Special
Wide array of programs and activities
The Downside
Graduation rate could be better
John Dewey High School offers the perks of a larg school, including a broad range of classes and activities allowing students a chance to explore their interests and gain skills that may help them in college and career. Serving students from across Brooklyn, it has good attendance, a safe environment, and solid outcomes, with over half of graduates ready for college-level work.
In its early years, John Dewey High School followed the ideas of educator John Dewey, who believed in active learning and student exploration. This progressive, hands-on approach set the school apart. Today, it combines a mix of projects and traditional instruction with extra opportunities to spark student interest.
Dewey has six small learning communities: STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), pre-med, law and justice, business and culinary, fine and performing arts, and a teaching program. Each academy operates like a mini-school with its own courses, staff and activities. Dewey also offers a Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program with bilingual classes in social studies and science.
Each academy provides electives related its theme in addition to core classes. The arts program includes theater, dance, and visual arts. Law and justice students can join Mock Trial (simulated court), Model UN (international diplomacy), and NYU’s High School Law Institute (college courses). The STEM and pre-med academies are screened. They offer advanced science courses, robotics, CPR training, and hospital internships. Forensic science, ceramics, photography, pottery, marine science, and baking are among other clubs and electives.
All freshmen take a double period of English Language Arts, with time for independent reading, lessons, and group work. In 10th grade, students take both global and American history. Tutoring is available during and after school.
The school has a below-average graduation rate, but students are generally well-prepared for college and have good access to advanced courses. This suggests that students who start on grade level are likely to do well. However, the school may need more support for students with disabilities or those who need extra help catching up.
New English speakers get extra support through small group sessions, one-on-one help, and classes with visual aids, and native language materials. Chromebooks and iPads are available for translation assistance.
The school offers family workshops on topics like painting, college and financial aid applications, graduation requirements, handling difficult teenagers, and test anxiety strategies.
Dewey has a spacious campus and offers many electives, Advanced Placement courses, clubs, theater, sports, and even a mindfulness room for relaxation.
Special Education: Dewey provides self-contained and ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes, special education services, a dedicated counselor, and psychologists and social workers. The Academic Career Essential Skills (ACES) program helps students with special needs build skills through school jobs like cafeteria work. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, January 2025)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity
College and Career Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryThe Annex of Career and Technical Exploration
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryContact & Location
Location
50 Avenue X
Brooklyn
NY
11223
Trains:
to Bay 50th St;
to Av X;
to 86th St
Buses: B1, B4, B64, B82, X28, X38
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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