Our Insights
What’s Special
Lots of support from teachers and counselors for college-bound students
The Downside
Longer school day and year may not appeal to some
Uncommon Charter High School, founded in 2017, is a supportive, structured school with high standards. Most students are accepted to a 4-year college or university and more than half stay with it all four years. The school emphasizes 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. Most students pass at least one Advanced Placement exam.
The school offers Spanish, art and theater. Clubs include drumline, photography, weightlifting, yoga, anime, photography and soccer among other activities.
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 fundraising for breast cancer, and volunteering in the community.
Special Education & English as a New Language (ENL): Specially trained teachers work with individuals and small groups in and outside the classroom to offer support.
Building & Facilities: The school shares the historic Franklin K. Lane Educational Campus in Cypress Hills with our other schools. PSAL sports teams are campus-wide. The school has tidy hallways and college pennants. There is a gymnasium, a beautiful if worn auditorium, a large football and track field and a school-based health center.
College & Career: The school has a solid college prep plan with a 1:17 counselor-to-student ratio. Students begin the process in 9th grade and freshmen and sophomores make at least two on-campus visits each year.
Most students come from two Uncommon middle schools. Apply online at uncommonschools.org/enrollnyc Contact the school to inquire about space for students outside the network. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and interview, November 2023)
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Contact & Location
Location
999 Jamaica Avenue, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn
NY
11208
Contact
Other Details
This school shares the Franklin K. Lane Educational Campus with four other schools
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