Our Insights
What’s Special
Lots of support and services for students; priority to students who are homeless, in temporary housing or foster care
The Downside
Tiny school with special mission may not be a right fit for some
Broome Street Academy is a public charter high school founded in partnership with The Door, a non-profit social service organization for at-risk youth. BSA gives preference in admission to students who are in temporary housing or foster care, who make up half the student population.
Located inside The Door’s building, BSA students have easy access to homework help, career assistance, counseling, legal services, a computer lab, a recording studio, a full-court gymnasium and a full-service kitchen that serves breakfast and lunch with an emphasis on fresh, healthy foods. Student may also eat dinner, which is served at The Door.
The administration has put a lot effort into changing the school's culture and tone, with a heavy emphasis on improving safety and order. In recent years the administration hired a lot of new teachers and has sought to create a diverse staff that reflects the student body.
Roughly one in four BSA students have special needs. To improve instruction, teachers work with two high-quality district (non-charter) public schools to focus on special education. Teachers visit each others’ classrooms and provide feedback. Together they refine lesson plans for the students who struggle the most.
Every Broome Street student is paired with an adult advocate who meets regularly with a small group of students to check on social and academic concerns. Staff meets weekly to address the school’s high rate of chronic absenteeism. A social worker is assigned to work on attendance.
Most incoming students struggle with academics, but high-achievers and those who catch up have options too. They may take classes for college credit through the Borough of Manhattan Community College. All juniors receive a full year of free SAT prep.
ADMISSIONS: Admission is by lottery with applications due in April. Priority goes to students who: have siblings at the school, are homeless or in temporary housing, have received preventive services from the Administration for Children’s Services, or have been in foster homes. The school accepts transfer students at all grade levels and some transfer in mid-year. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, February 2019, updated August 2022)
Get more from InsideSchools
School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Advanced Courses
Calculus
Not offered in 2021-21Computer Science
Physics
Advanced Foreign Language
Not offered in 2021-21AP/IB Arts, English, History or Social Science
AP/IB Math or Science
Music
College Readiness
Visit Understanding FAFSA for help with the FAFSA and financial aid.
Contact & Location
Location
555 Broome Street
Manhattan
NY
10013
Trains: , , , , , , to Canal St; , to Spring St; , , , to Broadway-Lafayette St; , to Prince St
Buses: M20, M21, M55
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
Was this information helpful?
Get more from InsideSchools
You may also like …
Chelsea Career and Technical Education High School
Manhattan, NY 10013
NYC iSchool
Manhattan, NY 10013
Comments