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Our 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

School
Citywide
Transfer school graduation rate
 
47%
How many English language learners graduate in 4 years?
 
47%
From the 2023-24 School Quality Guide and 2024-25 NYC School Survey

Students

461
Number of students
Citywide Average is 608

Race/Ethnicity


School
Citywide
Low-income students
 
90%
Students with disabilities
 
1%
Multilingual learners
 
87%
From the 2024-25 Demographic Snapshot

Safety & Vibe

School
Citywide
How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
 
89%
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
 
34%
How many students say that some are bullied at their school because of their gender or sexual orientation?
 
25%
How many teachers say they would recommend this school to other families?
 
89%
From the 2024-25 NYC School Survey and 2023-24 NY State Report Card

Faculty & Staff

School
Citywide
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
 
89%
11.0
Years of principal experience at this school
Citywide Average is 8
92
Number of students for each guidance counselor or social worker
Citywide Average is 119

Teachers’ Race/Ethnicity


How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
 
79%
Are teachers effective?
From the 2024-25 NYC School Survey, 2023-24 School Quality Guide, 2022-23 Report on School-Based Staff Demographics, 2025 Guidance Counselor Report, and this school's most recent Quality Review Report

College and Career Readiness

School
Citywide
From the 2023-24 School Quality Guide
For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Programs & Admissions

From the 2024 High School Directory

Liberty High School Academy for Newcomers (A39A)

Admissions Method: Transfer

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 Directory

Advanced 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

NYC Department of Education: 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

Principal: Rhonda Huegel

Parent Coordinator: Carolina Velasquez

Phone: 212-691-0934

Website

Other Details

Shared campus? No

This school is in its own building.

Uniforms required? No
Metal detectors? No

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