EBC High School for Public Service - Bushwick

Founded in 1992 as a safe alternative to large, failing schools nearby, EBC High School for Public Service-Bushwick (EBC) was created in response to community activism by East Brooklyn Congregations, a consortium of churches and homeowners' associations that works to rebuild communities in Brownsville, East New York, and Bushwick.

Shawn Brown has been EBC’s principal since 2011 and is credited with moving the school past a rough period marred by low performance and rapid turnover in leadership. These days most students graduate on time, including EBC’s large population of students with special needs and who are learning English. Teachers also give Brown high marks for being an effective leader, based on their responses to the NYC School Survey.

The administration and staff are trying to increase academic rigor, according to its annual Comprehensive Educational Plan. Teachers are infusing more group work and problem-solving into instruction rather than relying solely on the more traditional practice of leading a lesson while students take notes.

“Students produce meaningful work products and take part in discussions that reflect high levels of thinking and participation,” according to the school’s most recent Quality Review.

Students who are up to the challenge may take Advanced Placement courses and other college level classes on and off-site through partnerships with Long Island University, Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn College and Columbia University.

Some challenges persist including many students who are chronically absent from school.

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Students get involved in community projects and activism such as securing funding from their local councilman to help spruce up a rundown section of Broadway Avenue in Brooklyn.

Teachers and staff do a good job at promoting a safe and inclusive environment for students, according to EBC’s most recent Quality Review. Students meet in small advisory groups lead by a staff member who keeps tabs on students’ academic and social-emotional growth and work with individual students who are struggling or falling behind.

ADMISSIONS: Top priority goes to District 32 students and residents. The school typically has space for students from other priority groups.Admission is based on the educational option formula, which is designed to admit a mix of low-, average-, and high-achieving students. (Laura Zingmond, web reports, December 2018)