Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts
Grades: 6-12Our Insights
What’s Special
Visual arts, music, dance, drama
The Downside
Many students miss school often; declining enrollment
Tucked behind the Navy Yard in Fort Greene, Susan S. McKinney is a tiny high school focused on the arts. Students audition to study dance, musical theater or visual arts, alongside their regular high school courses. The school has a Black Box Theater, art studios, music spaces, and performance opportunities that aim to help students prepare for future careers or college in the arts.
Students take several arts classes each week. Visual arts include 2-D and 3-D projects in a digital lab. Dance and theater students have performances, and some students take part in internships or arts programs at local sites like Brooklyn Academy of Music or Girl Be Heard. Each student gets the use of a laptop throughout high school. There is a fully-equipped fitness room, a 500-seat auditorium, and Zen and recreation rooms.
The school is much smaller than most NYC high schools. Some students struggle with attendance and keeping up with work. The school is shrinking; by 2025, enrollment had fallen to roughly a quarter of its size a decade earlier. Test scores and graduation rates are generally below citywide data.
An afterschool program run by Beacon includes tutoring, homework help, and small clubs like visual arts, gaming, crafts, hip hop, sports, or a cosmetics club. Activities may change each year and are limited by the school’s small size. There is an open gym until 9 pm and some Saturday programs until 6 pm. McKinney is reachable by several bus lines and nearby subway stops.
Students can join a mentorship program that offers college and career support, including college tours, workshops, advisory, and one-on-one counseling. Participants may earn up to $600.
The school shares the building with P.S. K369 Coy L. Cox, a District 75 school for students with significant disabilities, including autism, cognitive delays, and emotional needs. They get extra support in very small classes. (Lydie Raschka, official reports, March 2026)
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School Stats
Is this school safe and well-run?
From the 2024-2025 NYC School Survey
From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card
From this school's most recent Quality Review Report
From the 2024-25 School Quality Report
How do students perform academically?
From the 2024-25 School Quality Guide
Who does this school serve?
From the 2024-25 Demographic Snapshot
From the 2024-25 School Quality Guide
How does this school serve special populations?
From the 2024-25 School Quality Report
From the New York State 2024-2025 Assessment Database
Programs & Admissions
From the 2024 High School DirectoryVisual Arts (K42A)
Program Description:
Painting, drawing, art of advertisement and design, dimensional design, art history, textile, photography, product promotion, cartoon design illustration, and sculpture.
Vocal Music (K42B)
Program Description:
Theory, history, ear and vocal training, performance and beginning keyboard, songwriting, Mass Chorus, Gospel Choir, and Quartet Ensembles.
Dance (K42C)
Program Description:
Foundations of ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques, dance history, choreography, costume design, and African dance.
Drama (K42D)
Program Description:
Acting, voice and diction, theater history, dramatic literature, set design, and improvisation.
75K369 D75 Inclusion Program at Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts (K42U)
Offerings
From the 2024 High School DirectoryAdvanced Courses
Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP United States History, Chemistry (Advanced Science)
Boys PSAL teams
Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country
Girls PSAL teams
Basketball, Cross Country
Coed PSAL teams
Double Dutch
Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools
Contact & Location
Location
101 Park Avenue
Brooklyn
NY
11205
Buses: B54, B57, B62, B67, B69
Contact
Other Details
This school shares a building with Success Academy Fort Greene Charter
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