John Dewey High School in New York City stands out for its unique educational philosophy, rooted in the principles of active learning championed by its namesake, the renowned educator John Dewey. From its inception, this high school has embraced a progressive, hands-on approach to education, fostering student exploration and engagement. Today, John Dewey High School continues to blend project-based learning with traditional instruction, offering a rich tapestry of opportunities designed to ignite and sustain student interests.
A cornerstone of the John Dewey High School experience is its organization into six small learning communities, also known as academies. These specialized academies allow students to delve deeper into areas that resonate with their passions and future aspirations. The academies include:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Focusing on innovation and critical thinking in technical fields.
- Pre-Med: Designed for students interested in healthcare and medical professions, offering a pathway into the world of medicine.
- Law and Justice: Exploring the principles of law, justice, and civic responsibility, preparing students for legal and public service careers.
- Business and Culinary: Combining entrepreneurial skills with culinary arts, providing a practical and creative business education.
- Fine and Performing Arts: Cultivating creativity and artistic expression through theater, dance, visual arts, and music.
- Teaching Program: For students interested in education, offering insights and practical experiences in the field of teaching.
Each academy functions as a “mini-school,” complete with its own dedicated faculty, specialized courses, and extracurricular activities tailored to its theme. Beyond these focused academies, John Dewey High School also distinguishes itself with a Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program. This program offers immersive bilingual classes in social studies and science, catering to a diverse student population and preparing students for a globalized world.
Within each academy, students have the opportunity to choose electives that align with their chosen specialization, in addition to completing core curriculum classes. For instance, students in the arts program can explore theater, dance, and visual arts in depth. The Law and Justice academy offers enriching experiences like Mock Trial, Model UN, and partnerships with NYU’s High School Law Institute, providing college-level coursework. Notably, the STEM and Pre-Med academies are selective, offering advanced science courses, robotics programs, CPR training, and invaluable hospital internship opportunities. The school’s diverse elective offerings extend beyond the academies, including subjects like forensic science, ceramics, photography, pottery, marine science, and baking, alongside a wide array of clubs catering to varied interests.
In terms of core academics, all ninth-grade students benefit from a double period of English Language Arts, emphasizing independent reading, structured lessons, and collaborative group work. Tenth graders engage with both global and American history, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of societal evolution and civic responsibility. Recognizing the importance of academic support, tutoring services are readily available during and after school hours.
While John Dewey High School reports a graduation rate that is below the city average, the school excels in preparing students for higher education. Data suggests that students who enter John Dewey High School at grade level are well-positioned for college success and benefit from ample access to advanced placement courses. This points to a need for potentially enhanced support systems for students with pre-existing learning disabilities or those requiring additional academic assistance to catch up.
John Dewey High School is committed to supporting its diverse student body, including new English language learners. These students receive tailored support through small group sessions, individualized assistance, classes incorporating visual aids, and access to materials in their native languages. Furthermore, Chromebooks and iPads are available to facilitate translation and language learning.
The school also prioritizes family engagement, offering workshops on a range of topics relevant to student success and family well-being. These workshops cover areas such as painting, navigating college and financial aid applications, understanding graduation requirements, strategies for communicating with teenagers, and techniques for managing test anxiety.
John Dewey High School boasts a spacious campus, providing ample room for its extensive programs and resources. The school’s commitment to a well-rounded education is evident in its numerous electives, Advanced Placement courses, clubs, theater productions, sports teams, and even a dedicated mindfulness room designed for student relaxation and stress reduction.
Special Education at John Dewey High School: The school provides a comprehensive range of special education services, including self-contained and Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes. Students benefit from dedicated special education services, a specialized counselor, and access to psychologists and social workers. The Academic Career Essential Skills (ACES) program further supports students with special needs by developing crucial skills through practical school-based jobs, such as working in the cafeteria, fostering independence and workplace readiness. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, January 2025)
