Beach Channel Educational Campus: A Hub of Learning and Transformation
The Beach Channel Educational Campus, located at 100-00 Beach Channel Drive in Rockaway Park, Queens, stands on the former site of Beach Channel High School (BCHS), also known as High School 410 or H.S. 410. The campus occupies a unique location on the edge of Jamaica Bay, complete with a private dock. While Beach Channel High School closed its doors in 2014, the campus has been revitalized as a collaborative educational environment, housing multiple smaller schools with distinct missions and approaches.
The Legacy of Beach Channel High School
Beach Channel High School had a long history within the New York City public school system. The school offered a College Now program, allowing students to earn college credit through partnerships with institutions like Rikers Island, Kingsborough Community College, and Southampton College (part of Stony Brook University). LaGuardia Community College also provided classes at the school to improve reading skills, and a separate special education school was located in one wing of the building.
Despite its offerings, Beach Channel High School faced challenges. In November 2009, the New York City Department of Education announced the possibility of the school's closure in 2010 due to its low performance. Ultimately, Beach Channel High School graduated its last class in 2014.
Leadership and Programs
Throughout its history, BCHS saw several changes in leadership. Robert L. Bernard Gassaway served as principal from the late 1990s until 2002, and is credited with improving the school during his tenure. He later became a superintendent of schools and authored "Reflections of an Urban High School Principal, Yo…" published in 2006. Barbara Pleener was installed as principal in September 2003.
BCHS also gained recognition for its programs. In 2006, the school's economics program received a "Blue Star" certification for the second year in a row for its financial literacy program, with 49 out of 50 students passing the WISE Financial Literary Exam.
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Arts and Athletics
The Beach Channel High School Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble were prominent in Southern Queens. Under the direction of Barry Domfort, the band performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Queens College, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, as well as for political figures like former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The school also had a rich history of music educators, including Sidney Kolodney, Jack Nowinski, Louis Barella, Alex Leicht, and Gerald Brazel.
The Art Department, under Renee Darvin, attracted many talented art teachers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including Bruce Degen, who later created "The Magic School Bus" series.
Beach Channel High School also had a unique Crew (rowing) team, one of the few in New York City. Christian Horn served as head coach after William Stein's retirement, who held the position for two decades. In 1983, the boys' varsity team participated in the Henley Regatta in Oxford, England.
Notable Alumni
Beach Channel High School produced several notable alumni, including:
- Richard Kessler (Class of 1976): Executive Dean, College of Performing Arts, The New School and Dean of Mannes School of Music.
- Jeff Scott: Professor of French horn at Oberlin Conservatory.
- Folorunso "Foley" Fatukasi: NFL player for the New York Jets.
The Transformation: New Schools on the Campus
Following the closure of Beach Channel High School, the building was repurposed to house several smaller schools, each with its own distinct focus and mission. These schools are:
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Channel View School for Research (6th-12th Grade)
Channel View School for Research focuses on preparing students for college through hands-on activities and expeditions. The school emphasizes college preparation, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences. This approach has resulted in high attendance and graduation rates, as well as strong college preparation. A partnership with JetBlue Airways provides internships for older students and free flights for college visits.
Rockaway Park High School for Environmental Sustainability
Rockaway Park High School for Environmental Sustainability provides students with the opportunity to develop carpentry and culinary skills, emphasizing practical skills and environmental awareness. The school is relatively new, and teachers are working to address attendance and discipline issues.
Rockaway Collegiate High School
Rockaway Collegiate High School offers students additional time and support to help them succeed in high school and college. This is achieved through extended school hours and a summer program. Students work with teachers to develop study plans and are required to submit portfolios of their work at the end of each grade. Rockaway Collegiate High School opened in September 2011 within the Beach Channel Educational Campus to provide students with extra support for high school and college success. The school's vision is committed to cultivating Rigor, Character, Higher-Order Thinking, and Success in College and Career. Rockaway Collegiate High School opened in September 2011 in the Beach Channel Educational Campus to give students extra time and support to help them succeed in high school and beyond.
Challenges and Resilience
The Beach Channel Educational Campus has faced its share of challenges. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to the building, and students were temporarily relocated to Franklin K. Lane School until January 2013.
Even before the hurricane, the Department of Education had decided to close Beach Channel High School due to years of poor performance. No new students were admitted in September 2011. Before its closure, Beach Channel suffered from poor attendance, low levels of academic achievement, and significant safety issues. A 2007 New York Times column described how an influx of disruptive students from outside the school's attendance zone contributed to an unruly atmosphere.
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A Unique Location
The Beach Channel Educational Campus benefits from its unique location overlooking the wildlife haven of Jamaica Bay, a noted bird sanctuary and part of the National Park Service's Gateway National Recreation Area. Previously, Beach Channel High School capitalized on this location with an oceanography program, where students could set sail from the school's private dock to study marine life.
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