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William E. Grady Career and Technical Education High School
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Brooklyn NY
Our Insights
What’s Special
Vocational programs in well-equipped shops
The Downside
Metal detectors; attendance could be better
William E. Grady High School teaches students the fundamentals of automotive repair, carpentry, plumbing, cooking, or computer repair along with traditional academic courses. State-of-the-art auto shops hoist cars up on hydraulic lifts. In a professional kitchen young cooks don chef’s whites and prepare meals that are served in the faculty dining room.
The school has a challenging population, drawn from more than 100 middle schools throughout Brooklyn and beyond. One-third has special needs, about 40 percent miss at least a month of school per year, and more than two-thirds are older than the typical high school student. Almost all are performing below grade level when they arrive.
Grady offers different ways to be successful in life beyond college. It issues state-certified vocational courses in air conditioning and refrigeration, computer repair, automotive repair, carpentry, electrical installation, media and dramatic arts, plumbing, heating and culinary arts. The school works with some 18 different trade unions, many of which have programs that encourage companies to hire Grady graduates.
Principal Tarah Montalbano, formerly assistant principal of English, took the helm in 2013 and she and her staff have worked to stabilize enrollment and improve order and discipline. Most children say they feel safe; teachers overwhelmingly recommend the school and say Montalbano is an effective leader, according to school surveys.
Montalbano is working to improve instruction and raise academic expectations, according to the CEP (comprehensive educational plan). Grady’s four-year graduation rate is approaching the citywide average, even though few graduates are ready for college-level work.
A refreshingly current school website shows photos of teens building stage sets for a local elementary school, on an overnight trip to Philadelphia visiting colleges, and hoisting a second-place trophy at a NY Regional robotics competition.
High-achievers may take at least three Advanced Placement courses, and one college English class in partnership with Medgar Evers College.
In addition to shop classes, the Grady campus features a large gym, weight room, dance room and a basement studio where TV and film production are taught. The school offers a number of after-school programs, including a variety of varsity sports. The campus, located adjacent to busy Shore Parkway, features a turf-coated football field. On the downside, metal detectors greet students at the main entrance.
The school is located four long blocks from the Brighton Beach stop on the B and Q subways.
Admissions: Grady is open to all New York City residents and follows the educational option formula, designed to ensure a mix of low, average and high performing kids. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, October 2018)
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School Stats
Is this school safe and well-run?
From 2018-19 NYC School Survey
From 2017-18 NY State Report Card
From this school's most recent Quality Review Report
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
How do students perform academically?
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
Who does this school serve?
From 2019-20 Demographic Snapshot
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
How does this school serve special populations?
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
Programs & Admissions
From the 2021 High School Directory
Program Description:
State certified three-year sequence in the culinary arts. Internships available for eligible students. All students must take industry exams for certification.
Program Description:
State certified program in A+ Computer Repair and Networking. Students learn computer maintenance, operating systems, and troubleshooting. Internships available for eligible students. All students take the IC3 and A+ exams for certification. Students are prepared for college and industry positions.
Program Description:
This program explores the knowledge of the role, function, legal limitations, qualities, personal habit and obligations that are important to provide quality care to residents in long term facilities. The types, purposes and organizational structures of health care facilities that employ nurse aides. It also examines the role of a nurse aide and the functions of a nurse aide. The program requires a theory class and a 104 hour clinical internship.
Program Description:
Three-year NATEF and state-certified sequence; work on live vehicles. Courses: Steering & Suspension, Brakes, Electricity/Electronics, and Engine Performance. Must take industry exams for certification. Internships available for eligible students.
Program Description:
Students complete a state certified three-year sequence including electrical installation, plumbing, and carpentry. Students must take industry exams for certification. Internships and union opportunities are available for eligible students. Students are prepared for college and industry positions.
Academics
Language Courses
Spanish
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
AP English Literature and Composition, AP English Language and Composition, AP United States History, AP Biology, AP Computer Science Principles
Sports
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Football, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Rugby, Soccer, Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Softball, Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
Contact
Other Details
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