Liberty High School Academy for Newcomers
Grades: 9-12Our Insights
What’s Special
A supportive school for newcomer English learners
The Downside
No gymnasium
Liberty High School, in the heart of Chelsea, welcomes young immigrants from around the world. In a small, supportive setting, newcomers learn English and adjust to life in a new country. The school also strives to support students beyond graduation, and several alumni are now part of the staff.
Liberty serves mostly 14-to 17-year-olds, and may accept an 18-year-old who is committed to learning. The school also welcomes heritage speakers—students who grew up in the U.S. speaking another language at home. Students may be admitted throughout the school year.
Most freshman arrive with little or no English experience. All classes are taught in English. New students take three English language classes daily and can meet with a tutor twice a week during lunch for extra support. Additional help Is also available after school. For older students who transfer to a GED program, the school stays in touch to help them stay on track.
In classes, students strengthen skills by learning key words, using visuals, and working in groups. They run a mock presidential campaign, design civilizations, and build art portfolios. In English, they write personal stories connected to their families and cultures—for example, one student wrote about her mother’s grocery store in Ecuador.
Students are placed in classes based on English proficiency and academic skills; math and science classes mix ages, and advanced options include AP Spanish Language and Culture.
Popular programs include the after-school Kitchen Theater Video Arts program, Python computer courses, and clubs such as running, anime, journalism, robotics, and guitar. The school also maintains a pantry with food and clothing for families.
Liberty partners with Catholic Charities to offer paid internships in school and the community. Hudson Guild runs an after-school program for Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE).
A recent Quality Review found that Liberty offers lessons that are challenging, well-organized, and connected to students’ cultures and languages. The school is working on making lessons more engaging, encouraging more student participation, and creating stronger classroom routines. Liberty students earn the Biliteracy Seal more than at other schools, demonstrating skill in English and their home language.
Housed in a converted office building, Liberty is slightly cramped and lacks an auditorium or full-size gym, though it has a fitness room. Teens play soccer and basketball in nearby parks, and sports teams compete at other schools. The building is well-lit, warmly painted, and displays student work. (Lydie Raschka, official reports and interviews, January 2026)
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School Stats
Academics
Students
Race/Ethnicity
Safety & Vibe
Faculty & Staff
Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity
College and Career Readiness
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryLiberty High School Academy for Newcomers (A39A)
Program Description:
We offer a warm and welcoming environment to newcomer students or to newcomer ENL 9th and 10th students who are struggling in their current high school placement. LHS offers a SIFE program to those at risk and or are returning to the academic setting.
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Computer Science A, AP English Language and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language and Culture, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP United States History
Boys PSAL teams
Baseball, Basketball, Soccer
Girls PSAL teams
Volleyball
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
250 West 18 Street
Manhattan
NY
10011
Buses: M1, M11, M12, M14A-SBS, M14D-SBS, M2, M20, M23-SBS, M3, M55, M7, SIM10, SIM1C, SIM3, SIM33, SIM33C, SIM3C, SIM4C, SIM7, SIM9, X27, X28
Contact
Other Details
This school is in its own building.
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