J.H.S. 194 William Carr

JHS 194 is a large middle school with a strong arts program located on a quiet residential street lined with private homes. A zoned neighborhood school, it also is open to students who live anywhere in District 25.

In addition to visual art, JHS 194 offers chorus, dance, film and media, photography, jazz band, concert band and theater. All students may select an art form and pursue it all year; 6th graders may choose two per year. Instrumental music students are encouraged to stay with their program for three years to build expertise.

Twice a year students showcase their work through film festivals, dance shows, theater production, concerts and art gallery shows. School partners include Jazz at Lincoln Center and Magic Box Productions, according to the Arts in Schools Report.

Facilities include art and dance studios, a library, auditorium, a renovated gymnasium, and a band room. At recess, students may go next to the school building to play basketball and handball in a large yard maintained by the New York City Parks Department.

A potential downside: The school is growing in size and some students say they would like more personal attention. Some students responding to school surveys say teachers don't notice when they are upset or if they have trouble learning something. 

Admissions: Zoned school, also open to students in District 25. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, April 2019)