Bronx Arts and Science Charter School

Bronx Arts and Science Charter School is based on a network of charter schools in New Jersey that focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, otherwise known as STEAM. The school opened with kindergarten and 1st grade in 2019 and will add a grade per year until it is a full K-5 school.

Throughout each school year students complete four design challenge projects together with a group of peers. They meet with engineers, artists, hobbyists, and other professionals from STEAM fields. Students also participate in theatrical productions, concerts, cultural dances, and festivals, according to the school’s website, including a winter concert, an international festival, and a celebration of Black Heritage. 

Children take field trips to the Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Natural History, and various kid-friendly theater outings, such as the Super Scientific Circus—a group that uses magic and circus skills to demonstrate scientific concepts, school board meeting notes show. 

Bronx Arts and Science is under the umbrella of iLearn Schools, a non-profit that provides management and support for 13 schools primarily in New Jersey. The first school opened in 2007 in Garfield, New Jersey and there are now 13 campuses. Bronx Arts and Science is the first to open in New York City. Located in the former Monsignor Scanlan High School, the school shares their building with Grand Concourse Charter School. 

Digital Learning:  The school’s charter says students will have access to Chromebooks, iPads, and Kindles, and will submit work and receive feedback from teachers and peers via digital platforms, such as Schoology, a system that allows users to create, manage and share their work and lessons. SmartBoards, document cameras, and web-based/mobile applications such as ABCya, BrainPOP, Discovery Education, Reading A-Z, Splash Math, EDPuzzle, and Kahoot allow teachers to craft lessons and activities.

ADMISSIONS:  By lottery. Applications typically due April 1. Siblings and District 8 priority. See website for more information. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, June 2020)