Our Insights
What’s Special
Lots of support from teachers and staff
The Downside
Longer school day and year may not appeal to some
Uncommon Prep Charter High School, founded in 2014, is a supportive, structured school with high standards. Test scores and graduation rates are above the city average. They emphasize building good habits and a strong community. The school day is extended and the school year starts in August.
Academics & Instruction: All Uncommon high schools strive to maintain a steady culture and tone. Students sit in rows or chat in groups for discussions. Teachers use interactive methods, like turning and talking, to keep lessons engaging. There are double periods of math and English every day, and Saturday classes for extra help. The schools excel in state tests, with over half of graduates ready for college-level work. Most students take Advanced Placement courses and go on to four-year colleges.
The school also offers band, digital media, drumline, chess, boat building, 3D design, martial arts, guitar and keyboards, robotics, and a step team, among other extra programs.
Culture & Environment: All Uncommon schools emphasize forming good habits, starting with a morning meeting. In high school, teens discuss current events, themes like Black History Month, and prep for college. Weekly assemblies include academic activities, awards, student speeches, and energizing African drumming. Inspirational talks, like those about sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, boost morale. Freshmen have monthly gatherings to build community and habits.
Students meet with advisors weekly to track academics. Grades 10-12 meet twice a week for unique projects, like lessons from a teaching artist or workshops with chess, photography, or cosmetology teachers.
Students are required to follow rules for behavior in classrooms and hallways, staying seated during lunch. They learn guidelines for tasks like submitting homework, using the restroom, and borrowing laptops. The school emphasizes smooth transitions between activities. Uniforms, including tucked-in shirts, are required. Students are also encouraged to participate in community service, such as food drives, supporting causes like breast cancer walks, and volunteering in community gardens.
Special Education & English as a New Language (ENL): About 10 percent of students have disabilities, and around 2 percent are learning English. Specially trained teachers work with individuals and small groups in and outside the classroom to boost skills.
Building & Facilities: Uncommon Prep is at the South Shore Educational Campus with five other high schools. The campus has tidy hallways, maroon lockers, and college pennants. There are PSAL sports, a large auditorium, cafeteria, and gym. No subway nearby, and entry involves passing through metal detectors.
College & Career: The school has 1:17 counselor-to-student ratio. Students start learning about college admissions in 9th grade and visit at least two college campuses each year.
Roughly 70 percent of the students come from three Uncommon middle schools. Some go elsewhere due to distance or other considerations. Contact the school to inquire about space for students outside the network. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, November 2023)
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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
Not offered in 2021-21College Readiness
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Contact & Location
Location
6565 Flatlands Avenue
Brooklyn
NY
11236
Buses: B103, B47, B6, B82
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the South Shore Educational Campus with five other schools
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