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Our Insights

What’s Special

Wide array of programs and activities

The Downside

Graduation rate could be better

John Dewey High School offers the perks of a larg school, including a broad range of classes and activities allowing students a chance to explore their interests and gain skills that may help them in college and career. Serving students from across Brooklyn, it has good attendance, a safe environment, and solid outcomes, with over half of graduates ready for college-level work. 

In its early years, John Dewey High School followed the ideas of educator John Dewey, who believed in active learning and student exploration. This progressive, hands-on approach set the school apart. Today, it combines a mix of projects and traditional instruction with extra opportunities to spark student interest.
 
Dewey has six small learning communities: STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), pre-med, law and justice, business and culinary, fine and performing arts, and a teaching program. Each academy operates like a mini-school with its own courses, staff and activities. Dewey also offers a Chinese (Mandarin) Bilingual Program with bilingual classes in social studies and science. 

Each academy provides electives related its theme in addition to core classes. The arts program includes theater, dance, and visual arts. Law and justice students can join Mock Trial (simulated court), Model UN (international diplomacy), and NYU’s High School Law Institute (college courses). The STEM and pre-med academies are screened. They offer advanced science courses, robotics, CPR training, and hospital internships. Forensic science, ceramics, photography, pottery, marine science, and baking are among other clubs and electives.

All freshmen take a double period of English Language Arts, with time for independent reading, lessons, and group work. In 10th grade, students take both global and American history. Tutoring is available during and after school.

The school has a below-average graduation rate, but students are generally well-prepared for college and have good access to advanced courses. This suggests that students who start on grade level are likely to do well. However, the school may need more support for students with disabilities or those who need extra help catching up.

New English speakers get extra support through small group sessions, one-on-one help, and classes with visual aids, and native language materials. Chromebooks and iPads are available for translation assistance.

The school offers family workshops on topics like painting, college and financial aid applications, graduation requirements, handling difficult teenagers, and test anxiety strategies.

Dewey has a spacious campus and offers many electives, Advanced Placement courses, clubs, theater, sports, and even a mindfulness room for relaxation.

Special Education: Dewey provides self-contained and ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes, special education services, a dedicated counselor, and psychologists and social workers. The Academic Career Essential Skills (ACES) program helps students with special needs build skills through school jobs like cafeteria work. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, January 2025)

 

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School Stats

Academics

School
Citywide
How many students graduate in 4 years?
 
83%
How many students with disabilities graduate in 4 years?
 
70%
How many English language learners graduate in 4 years?
 
74%
Average daily attendance
 
90%
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
 
30%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school offers enough activities and services for their children's needs?
 
95%
How many parents of students with disabilities say this school works to achieve the goals of their students' IEPs?
 
91%
From the 2023-24 School Quality Guide and 2024-25 NYC School Survey

Students

2210
Number of students
Citywide Average is 608

Race/Ethnicity


School
Citywide
Low-income students
 
88%
Students with disabilities
 
15%
Multilingual learners
 
20%
From the 2024-25 Demographic Snapshot

Safety & Vibe

School
Citywide
How many students say they feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?
 
79%
How many students think bullying happens most or all of the time at this school?
 
49%
How many students say that some are bullied at their school because of their gender or sexual orientation?
 
36%
How many teachers say they would recommend this school to other families?
 
85%
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?
 
87%
3.0
Years of principal experience at this school
Citywide Average is 8
158
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?
 
83%
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
How well are students prepared for college and careers after four years at this school? What is a College and Career Readiness (CCR) Score?
 
46
How many students take a college-level course or earn a professional certificate?
 
66%
How many students who have graduated from this high school stay in college for at least 3 semesters?
 
60%
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

The Academy for Business Management and Culinary Arts (K56A)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

The Academy of Business Management and Culinary Arts focuses on preparing students with the technical skills they need for college and career readiness. Our program offers state of the art technology and high level industry experience. We offer paid and unpaid internships, job shadowing, mentoring and partnerships through Grant Associates and Careers through Culinary Programs.

Chinese Transitional Bilingual Educational Program (K56B)

Admissions Method: Language Criteria

Program Description:

John Dewey High School hosts a Transitional Bilingual Program in Mandarin. Native Mandarin students will receive a Mandarin Language Arts class in addition to support in their content classes in the 9th and 10th grade. This is not a foreign language program. Students need to know how to read and write in Mandarin in order to succeed in this program. Over all four years, students will work on literacy in their home language utilizing authentic texts as well as building presentation skills. The goal of this program is to prepare students for the World Language Exam, AP Chinese and a Seal of Biliteracy.

The Academy of Education and College Preparation (K56C)

Admissions Method: Open

Program Description:

The Academy of Education & College Preparation at J.D.H.S gives students the opportunity to explore fields in education while having the opportunity to take college level courses. The Academy of Education & College Preparation will equip students with knowledge, confidence and resources to connect with the nation's top colleges. The Academy of Education and College Preparation is a unique teacher preparatory program where education meets inspiration. We are dedicated to providing our students with the rigorous academic training and development needed to excel in college and beyond. Our dynamic curriculum includes personalized tutoring & a supportive community that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and leadership skills. Our students will have the opportunity to take college level courses through our College Now program.

STEM Academy (K56J)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

The STEM Academy provides students with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with opportunities to explore the disciplines of computer science, engineering, robotics, hydroponics and to take AP and college level courses. Courses will prepare students for colleges, career paths, and more. With significant opportunities for hands-on learning, students will gain fluency with the design process. Students have the opportunity to begin their STEM education choosing software engineering, robotics pathways while having the opportunity to compete in National Robotics and E-Sports competitions. Additional pathways in hydroponics certification and game development are offered leading to certifications. Students have the opportunity to participate in the NY Sun Works High School (CEA) Controlled Environment Agriculture Farming Certification Program developed with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, providing high school students with marketable technical skills to participate in a growing sector of the green economy as well as transferable workforce readiness skills.

Pre-Med and Health Academy (K56L)

Admissions Method: Screened

Program Description:

Our Pre-Med academy will prepare you for work in the healthcare field and allow you the opportunity to become a licensed NYSEMT upon completion. Students will explore a range of careers, acquire 21st century employability skills including financial literacy, earn paid work- based learning opportunities and early college credits and credentials, engage in 1:1 advising and will graduate prepared for college and/or careers in NYCs growing healthcare industry. The Pre-Med Academy also equips students with knowledge and competencies that allow them to excel in college pre-med and health professional programs. Students experience an immersive clinical internship, study anatomy, medical technology, emergency medical training, and take AP and college-level pathway courses. Students have the opportunity to graduate with certifications in CPR, first aid, and others accredited by the American Red Cross, as well as NYSEMT. For additional information please email Kgattuso@schools.nyc.gov. Our Pre-Med Academy is part of FRNYC and follows a specific 8 course sequence.

The Academy of Law and Justice (K56M)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

This is an opportunity for students interested in legal studies and exploring the struggle for justice and human rights. Program electives focus on the criminal justice system and cybersecurity. Through our affiliation with the Justice Resource Center and Facing History & Ourselves, students visit criminal and juvenile court, work with lawyers and politicians, and participate in moot court, mock trial, and Model UN competitions. Students will also have the opportunity to apply to a variety of law related internships and to graduate with the Seal for Civic Readiness.

The Academy of Fine and Performing Arts (K56T)

Admissions Method: Ed. Opt.

Program Description:

John Dewey High School now has a state of art, $10MM auditorium, Black Box Theater and multiple digital media labs where students will experience a unique journey in Visual, Theater, or Dance Arts with opportunity for industry certifications and internships. Students will be introduced to learning the basics of each field and advance by learning new techniques and skills in their focus area culminating in an Arts Endorsed Diploma. Theater Arts students will participate in acting, scene study, and play writing with an opportunity to attend weekly Broadway shows. Dance will include traditional and modern dance, jazz, interpretive dance, and choreography. Visual Arts classes include studio art, ceramics, and photography. Students have the opportunity to work towards acceptance into the National Arts Honor Society and there are two College Board Advanced Placement course opportunities in Visual Arts culminating in a professional portfolio that is defended and showcased for the entire school community. Additionally, students have the opportunity to get Adobe Creative Suite Certifications through Digital Art and Media classes. Students in the Performing Arts pathway have opportunities to participate in various internships, externships, extracurricular performances and induction into the National Dance Honor Society and National Honor Society.

75K721 D75 Inclusion Program at John Dewey High School (K56U)

Admissions Method: D75 Special Education Inclusive Services

John Dewey ACES Program (K56Y)

Admissions Method: ASD/ACES Program

Offerings

From the 2024 High School Directory

Advanced Courses

Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Macroeconomics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Psychology, AP Seminar, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Studio Art - 2D, AP Studio Art - Drawing, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, AP World History: Modern, Chemistry (Advanced Science), Econ/Gov (College Course [Credited]), ELA (College Course [Credited]), Math (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Credited]), Other (College Course [Uncredited]), Physics (Advanced Science), Science (College Course [Credited]), Social Studies (College Course [Credited]), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

Boys PSAL teams

Badminton, Basketball, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

Girls PSAL teams

Badminton, Basketball, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball

Coed PSAL teams

Double Dutch

Read about admissions, academics, and more at this school on NYCDOE’s MySchools

NYC Department of Education: MySchools

Contact & Location

Location

50 Avenue X
Brooklyn NY 11223

Buses: B1, B4, B64, B82, X28, X38


Contact

Principal: Heather Adelle

Parent Coordinator: Elizabeth Santana

Phone: 718-373-6400

Website

Other Details

Shared campus? No

This school is in its own building.

Uniforms required? No
Metal detectors? Yes

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