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John Adams High School
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Ozone Park NY 11417
Our Insights
What’s Special
Small learning communities and International Baccalaureate (IB) program
The Downside
High number of bullying incidents
For years, John Adams High School teetered on the brink of closure and struggled to attract students. Its administration and faculty now believe the worst is behind them and see the school gradually rebounding, thanks to stronger academics, new programs and efforts to create a more welcoming environment.
Signs of progress: The graduation rate jumped from less than 55 percent in 2014 to nearly 71 percent in 2018. The attendance rate also slightly increased within that time frame, and chronic absenteeism declined. Perhaps most important, in 2016 the state removed John Adams from the list of schools threatened with state takeover. And, according to the New York Times, John Adams has been identified as a “rise” school, meaning it will no longer be considered a renewal school come the 2018-2019 school year.
Principal Daniel Scanlon came to the school in 2013. After reviewing the building and evaluating student feedback that indicated that many students did not want to be at John Adams—which Scanlon himself described as having been punitive and drab—he set out to enact change.
To improve discipline, John Adams has implemented Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), which focuses on rewarding and reinforcing positive actions. As a result, the suspension rate has dropped to just 1 percent, which is below the citywide average.
The school has restructured its academics and is now divided into several small learning communities (SLCs), aiming to provide students with both the resources of a large school and the sense of community and individualized attention offered at a small school.
There are eight SLC programs: STEM; the Future Educators Academy; Media and Fine Arts Academy; Pre-Med Academy; Justice, Law and International Studies Academy; a Newcomers Institute; the International Baccalaureate (IB) program; and the Queens Business Institute. Within these SLCs, there is one new career and technical education (CTE) program in law. The school is developing a CTE program in business.
John Adams added its selective IB program in the fall of 2016. It offers a challenging curriculum that stresses student projects and the development of research skills. The school also offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and College Now classes.
After school, students can participate in a number of extracurricular activities, such as the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, robotics, debate, school band and many PSAL sports, including cricket and girls lacrosse.
"We want to try to make opportunities available to kids," Scanlon said. "We're trying to find something for every student."
Despite these changes, the school still has room for improvement. Chalkbeat said John Adams, with 2,300 students, had 21 confirmed instances of bullying in the first half of the 2017-2018 school year. Half of the student body thinks that bullying happens frequently, according to school surveys.
The school is located in Ozone Park and has an on-site health clinic operated by North Shore LIJ health network.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: Adams offers a range of supports, including tutoring services as wells as self-contained and integrated co-teaching (ICT) classes.
ADMISSIONS: Citywide. Criteria vary among the learning communities, with some screened programs and others using the educational option method. There is also a zoned program for students living in the area. (Gail Robinson, March 2015; updated June 2018)
Read moreSchool 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 2018-19 Demographic Snapshot
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
From 2018 School Directories
How does this school serve special populations?
From 2018-19 School Quality Guide
Programs & Admissions
From the 2020 High School Directory
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Punctuality
- Course Grades: English (65-100), Math (65-100), Science (62-100), Social Studies (65-100)
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts (1.9-4.5), Math (1.6-4.5)
Program Description:
STEM and International Baccalaureate Academy is a rigorous program of study for highly motivated students. The goal of the STEM-IB Program is to develop well-rounded students who are ready to take advanced courses in preparation for college. Students who successfully complete the IB coursework/requirements will receive the globally recognized IB Diploma. Students studying in the STEM academy will learn from teachers who are passionate about their subjects and their students' future. Students will immerse themselves in engineering, robotics, Virtual Reality/ Augmented reality and computer science courses with the opportunity to earn industry credit and opportunities to exercise their skills in real-world experiences. In the STEM Academy, students are able to take, IB, AP, SUNY Farmingdale and CUNY College Now courses to earn up to 30 college credits.
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Course Grades: English, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts, Math
Program Description:
Prepares students for careers in social sciences, law, and international relations. Students will participate in Model UN, Moot Court, and Mock Trial.
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Course Grades: English, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts, Math
Program Description:
This is a rigorous program of study for highly motivated students. The goal of the International Baccalaureaute (IB) Program is to develop well-rounded students with character who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind. Students who successfully complete the IB coursework/requirements will receive the globally recognized IB Diploma. Pre-Med includes approved curricula in medical/health careers, psychology, anatomy and physiology (with Z-Space AR), First Aide/CPR, and clinical medical assistant profession skills.
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Course Grades: English, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts, Math
Program Description:
Prepares students for careers in photography, sculpting, journalism, video production, studio recording, writing, theater, and fine arts. Students will participate in creating published newsletters, cyber journalism, yearbook, play productions, and the literary magazine.
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Course Grades: English, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts, Math
Program Description:
Prepares students for careers in business and computer science. Students will participate in Virtual Enterprise, Microsoft certiport certification, Co-Op Tech, and internships. Students will be able to earn a CDOS credential upon graduation.
Requirements:
- Attendance
- Punctuality
- Course Grades: English (60-100), Math (63-100), Science (60-100), Social Studies (60-100)
- Standardized Test Scores: English Language Arts (1.7-4.5), Math (1.6-4.5)
Program Description:
Our students will develop the 21st century skills needed to be the highly effective educators and leaders of tomorrow. In addition, students will receive a hands-on experience with communication and public speaking, organization and management skills. Students will have the ability to mentor, become a teacher assistant and lead peer education opportunities. FELA provides opportunities to gain college credits through participation in AP and college credited courses during the school day.
Academics
Language Courses
Bengali, French, Spanish
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP United States History
Sports
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Football, Handball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball
Girls PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Flag Football, Golf, Handball, Indoor Track, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Cricket
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
to 104th St
Contact
Other Details
Zone for the 2019-2020 school year. Call school to confirm.
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