About
Vision
Our community of secondary schools, in partnership with families, CUNY and the Urban Assembly, will graduate independent learners, critical thinkers, and effective communicators, prepared to lead a life of transformation in an evolving world. As a city-wide district of themed, early college, and career and technical education secondary schools, we believe our students thrive in student-centered, inclusive learning environments that lead graduates towards college and career pathways, ensuring a life of economic security and self-actualization.
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Mission
Our district is committed to ensuring all CUNY/Urban Assembly students graduate on a pathway to economic stability and civic responsibility by:
- Valuing ambitious, effective curriculum that promotes and sustains inquiry and joy for students and teachers, flows seamlessly across grade levels and discipline areas, and addresses students’ diverse needs, interests, concerns, identities, cultures, and developmental levels.
- Continuing to build/strengthen our partnerships with colleges, industry partners and community-based organizations
Advocating for our schools to have the resources to meet the needs of every student - Strengthening school relationships with families to elevate their voice and increase access to opportunities and resources
- Supporting teachers and school leaders to implement sustainable and responsive instructional practices that engage students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making through pedagogy that challenges and excites them
- Empowering schools to use data to identify and address disproportionalities impacting historically underserved students and families by sharing and employing evidence-based practices
- Promoting cultural responsiveness in schools so that all members of the community are known, celebrated, supported, and safe including students, families and staff
- When we reimagine the learners’ experience in this way, we affirm all people, promote access, foster agency, build and strengthen human connections, and [mindfully] support the whole person –children and adults.
Description
Our community of secondary schools, in partnership with CUNY and Urban Assembly, strive to graduate independent learners, critical thinkers, and effective communicators prepared to lead a life of transformation in an evolving world. As a city-wide district of themed and early college secondary schools, our students thrive in student-centered, inclusive learning environments that lead towards college and career pathways, ultimately ensuring a life of economic security and self-actualization.
Our 45 mission-driven Early College and Career Focused High Schools and Secondary Schools are located throughout four boroughs and proudly serve a population of 20,000 students. Our schools work tirelessly and purposefully every day so that students of all backgrounds and circumstances can be successful. Our approach to teaching and learning is centered on the idea that students maximize their potential when they are allowed to cultivate human connection and joy. We do this by prioritizing student wellness through safe spaces that understand and respect all cultures –together we lift our students, families, and communities.
To empower our students to grow without limits we focus on project-based learning and partner with local colleges, businesses, and community-based organizations to pave multiple pathways to college and careers. After graduation, our students are fully prepared to excel in college, career, and community.
Our student population mirrors that of the city with an even split between male and female students, approximately 20% of students having an IEP, 26% of students being English language learners, and three quarters being black or Latinx students.
