New York City will open five new public schools in the Bronx and Queens this fall, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said Tuesday.
The schools are opening in neighborhoods that have historically dealt with overcrowding, and will expand access to seats for students with disabilities, City Hall said in a release.
What You Need To Know
The city will open three new public schools in Queens and two in the Bronx this fall, officials said Tuesday
One of the schools, the Bronx School of Hip-Hop, will offer coursework including audio production, digital media and financial literacy
City Hall said the schools are opening in neighborhoods that have historically dealt with overcrowding
“Innovation, excellence and art are woven into the fabric of this city — they define what it means to be a New Yorker. It’s time our schools reflect that reality,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Our students deserve the best. This fall, we’ll deliver it with five new public schools that serve students of all ages, expand access for students with disabilities and put the arts at the center of education.”
Samuels said the new schools “reflect a bold commitment to expanding access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences for every student, in every neighborhood.”
“These schools are designed to meet the diverse needs of our communities, including creating seat capacity where needed, delivering innovative and culturally responsive instruction, and preparing students with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, careers, and beyond. This is how we build a stronger, more equitable future for New York City,” he added.
The five schools set to open in September are:
Academy of Cultural Excellence
Serving pre-K through fifth grade in Long Island City, this school will emphasize “project-based learning, arts integration and culturally responsive practices.”
Bronx School of Arts & Exploration
Located in the Highbridge/South Crotona section of the Bronx, this school will serve students with disabilities in kindergarten through eighth grade, integrating “core academics with visual and performing arts, supporting communication, independence and academic growth through project-based learning and performance-based assessments.”
The Bronx School of Hip-Hop
Serving grades nine through 12 in the Claremont section of the Bronx, this high school will use “hip-hop culture as a foundation for rigorous instruction.” Coursework will include audio production, digital media and financial literacy.
Queens Academy for Innovative Learning
This school in Astoria will serve students with disabilities in grades six through 12, focusing on project-based learning, STEM exploration and work-based learning opportunities.
West Q Elementary
Located in Woodside, this kindergarten through fifth grade school will combine literacy and math instruction with hands-on, community-based projects, while also emphasizing multilingualism.