Our Insights
What’s Special
Small learning communities ensure students get attention and engaging work
The Downside
Limited opportunity to switch to a different small learning community
New Dorp High School offers students the attention and support typically found in smaller schools as well as the big-school perks of expansive facilities, lots of Advanced Placement (AP) and college-level courses, a massive sports programs and many extracurricular activities.
The school’s writing program, called the Hochman Method, has become a model for the city. Key to its success is that teachers in all subjects have adopted the method, which means they use the same language and practices whether it’s a math teacher discussing how students should explain their approach to solving a problem or a history teacher critiquing essays. Since the method was introduced in 2009, students’ scores on English and history Regents exams have risen steadily and now exceed the citywide average.
This large, well-run school benefits from strong leadership and a thoughtful structure. The school is organized into programs known as SLCs (small learning communities), each with its own director, faculty, guidance counselor, school aide and theme.
The SLC design allows for a lot of staff collaboration; teachers in each SLC have a daily common period during which they meet to share ideas, develop lessons and devise plans to help individual students.
Each SLC appeals to a different range of interests: communications and media, law and JROTC, math and science, forensics, health, fine arts and drama, teaching, and business and software engineering. These programs deliver on their themes through a combination of required and elective classes, as well as theme-related activities. For instance, the Institute of Forensic Science offers hands-on learning in crime scene photography, crime writing/forensic statistics and biotechnology, a lot of it conducted in a well-equipped crime lab. Among their activities, students in The Academy of Communication and Media Arts (ACMA) film school events and create promotional media; they also created the citywide training video on safe school evacuations, according to longtime principal Deirdre DeAngelis.
The Math & Science Institute, which accepts students with good grades and test scores, has the most demanding course load. Students take several AP courses in different subjects and in the upper grades specialize in either medical science or engineering.
DeAngelis, who has been principal since 1999, consistently gets top marks from teachers on matters of trust and leadership, based on responses to the annual NYC School Survey. During her tenure she has found ways to enhance the SLCs, including partnerships and improved facilities.
With support from a local physical therapy provider, the health science SLC provides hands-on exposure to athletic training and physical therapy in an on-site, professionally equipped therapy lab. By the time they graduate, students in the Air Force JROTC program, which is headed by a certified pilot and instructor, complete all their coursework and simulator training hours required to become a licensed pilot. The culinary program, which was put on pause for a couple of years, is slated to reopen after construction is completed on a new commercial-grade teaching kitchen.
College-level courses are plentiful and are open to all students across the school. In addition to more than a dozen AP courses, there are College Now programs with College of Staten Island and Kingsborough Community College, as well as college courses for credit taught on-site through partnerships with St. John's University and SUNY Oneonta.
There’s a dedicated college office, and guidance counselors visit English classes to walk juniors through the college admissions process. Graduating students go on to CUNY and SUNY schools in addition to highly selective private colleges and universities.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: New Dorp works hard to integrate special-needs students with general-education students and involve students of all abilities in classes and after-school activities. There are a range of services and supports, including self-contained and ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes. There are also two specialized programs: Horizon provides students who need more intensive support in small self-contained classes with the opportunity to take general-education electives and academic classes when possible; the other is for students with Asperger's syndrome and follows an inclusion model with extra support from paraprofessionals.
There is a range of dedicated classes for beginning and intermediate English language learners as well as push-in support in general-education classes by ENL (English-as-new-language) instructors.(Laura Zingmond, February 2015; updated via interview February 2018)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryThe Academy of Education and Leadership (R20A)
Program Description:
Students will experience a broad range of career options such as teaching, school counseling, paraprofessional services, special education, speech pathology and other educational career options. Instruction includes: Classroom management strategies, early intervention services, lesson planning, the use of technology and more. Students are enrolled in college-accredited courses through St John's University. Internships in junior and senior years. Community service, trips, and college visits.
Law Institute & AFJROTC (R20C)
Program Description:
Two separate, distinct programs in our smaller learning community--accepted students select either the Law Institute or AFJROTC for their chosen program. The Law program includes engaging electives in law, government, and law enforcement. Skills such as debating, research, and legal writing are emphasized. The program includes a Mock Trial team, use of school courtroom, projects on current issues, and guest speakers and internship opportunities in various law-related fields. The Air Force program focuses on physical fitness, space exploration, aerospace science, and community service. The program includes the use of flight simulators, opportunities for flight lessons, and flying drones.
Corporate Center for Business & Technology (R20E)
Program Description:
A challenging program that offers business themed courses, computer science options, and focuses on real world skills that help students prepare for college and the job market. All students participate in the Virtual Enterprise (VE) program, a NYS-Approved CTE sequence, a global business simulation that offers students a competitive edge through project-based, collaborative learning and the development of 21st century skills in entrepreneurship, global business, communication, and personal finance.
Institute of Health Sciences (R20F)
Program Description:
This is a rigorous program that prepares students for college as well as a career in the field of health care. As members of the Institute of Health Sciences, students develop academic and practical skills that will enable them to be successful lifelong learners in a diverse society. Our graduates pursue positions such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, and social workers, among many others. Our select senior internships focus on physical therapy, sports and injury rehabilitation, and assessing human movement. These internships allow students to build on their knowledge base of elective classes consisting of Anatomy and Physiology, Rehab Science and Medical Practice, and Psychology.
Academy of Communication and Media Arts (R20M)
Program Description:
In this Digital Media-approved CTE program, students explore and utilize various forms of media such as graphic illustration, video production, journalism, and web design. With a major focus on hands-on instruction, this program prepares students for relevant college majors with exposure to careers in all areas of media. Students have opportunities to participate in internships in the media industry.
Academy of Fine and Dramatic Arts (R20P)
Program Description:
A 4-year rigorous academic program with an emphasis on the Arts. This academy offers students to take part in a Fine Arts program, a Fashion Design program, a Vocal Music program, or a NYS-approved CTE Theater program. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced courses available in each program. Platforms to showcase student talents and opportunities for internships offered. Theatre majors are eligible to receive an Arts Endorsed Diploma. Fine Arts majors are eligible to students enrolled in AP Studio Art and earn college credits. There is an on building a portfolio for college and career
Math & Science Institute (R20S)
Program Description:
New Dorp High Schools only screened program, has been in existence for over 30 years. Our STEAM program prepares motivated students to achieve success throughout high school and beyond. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Our coursework supports all students with obtaining an Advanced Regents Diploma, which readies them for acceptance into prestigious colleges and universities. Students are provided the opportunity to think critically, solve authentic problems, and hone their investigative research skills. Past alumni have gone on to pursue STEAM-related careers such as physician, pharmacist, computer scientist, graphic designer, or engineer.
Institute of Forensic Science & Criminology (R20T)
Program Description:
This program provides students with rigorous coursework, internships, and experiences to prepare them for college. Students will learn to process a crime scene, analyze evidence, examine the criminal justice system, and apply principles of criminal psychology. Courses will expose students to skills needed to begin forensic science related careers, but will also provide a breadth of knowledge with wide-ranging applications in many college and career pathways.
New Dorp High School D75 Inclusion Program (R20U)
New Dorp High School ASD Horizon Program (R20Y)
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLanguage Courses
Italian, Spanish
Advanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics 1, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art - Drawing, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Arts (College Course [Credited]), Biology (College Course [Credited]), Calculus (Advanced Math), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Comp Sci/Math Tech (College Course [Credited]), Econ/Gov (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Physics (Advanced Science), Science (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), US History (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages), World Languages (College Course [Credited])
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Football, Handball, Indoor Track, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Indoor Track, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
Coed PSAL teams
Golf, Stunt
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
465 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island
NY
10306
Buses: S51, S74, S76, S78, S79-SBS, S81, S86, SIM1, SIM10, SIM11, SIM1C, SIM5, SIM6, SIM7, SIM9
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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