Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School

Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School, in Concourse, is a dual language English and Spanish school serving girls in grades k through 8.

Students and staff call the school by the nickname “big league,” from the acronym “BGLIG.” It aims to provide a rigorous curriculum with an extended school day that includes three hours of literacy. Despite that, less than half the middle students responding to a Department of Education survey said they felt challenged by their classes or were asked difficult questions.  BGLIG also says it stresses technology and a focus on the role of women in history and society. The school offers performing arts with dance and violin, plus an after-school program and sports for middle school students.

BGLIG students score at around the city average on the English language arts standardized test but for years have lagged on the math exam. A high percentage of students leave 8th grade with some high school credits.

In 2019, the news site The City reported that the school’s facility was in poor condition and that, although BGLIG had successfully raised money, school leaders were not spending it on needed technologies and supplies. Earlier that year teachers at the school voted unanimously to unionize. Although salaries were a key issue, the teachers also cited the difficulty of obtaining supplies and poor communication between the school’s board of directors and the professional staff.

ADMISSIONS: The school selects students by lottery with preference  given to siblings of students already enrolled in the school and English Language Learners both in and outside the school district. Anyone can enter the general lottery. (Gail Robinson, from school website and web reports, June 2020)