University Heights Secondary School: A College-Focused Institution in the Bronx

University Heights Secondary School (UHSS) stands as a beacon of opportunity in the South Bronx, offering a unique blend of a small school's close-knit environment and the extensive academic resources typically found in larger institutions. This coeducational college preparatory school, enrolling approximately 600 students in grades 9 through 12, is dedicated to fostering confident, independent thinkers prepared to excel in college and beyond.

Overview

UHSS is distinguished by its commitment to providing a rigorous, college and career-focused learning environment. The school offers two distinct screened programs: Humanities and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Reflecting its college-like atmosphere, UHSS boasts an exceptionally wide range of course offerings, including multiple Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

The school's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its high academic score and survey score.

About University Heights Secondary School

The school prides itself on feeling like a college, cultivating citizens prepared to constructively participate in the society of their time. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and learning, fostering a community where cooperation and mutual trust are valued.

Academic Highlights and Features

University Heights Secondary School offers a wide range of academic opportunities and features, including:

College Courses Offered: Students can earn up to 18 college credits through on-site courses taught by professors from Bronx Community College.
Performance-Based Assessment Tasks (PBATs): UHSS is a Performance Assessment School, basing graduation requirements on successful completion of performance assessments in major subject areas in lieu of most Regents exams.
FutureReadyNYC: UHSS participates in the FutureReadyNYC initiative, focusing on technology (Data Scientist) and education (Teaching & Training).
Career Readiness & Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA) School: Providing students with valuable career experience.
Expert College and Career Advisor: Dedicated staff to guide students in their post-secondary planning.

A Focus on Arts

The arts are integral to the academic experience at University Heights. The school integrates painting, drawing, graphic arts, dance, poetry, and instrumental and vocal music courses into the curriculum, providing a rich and engaging experience for students.

Programs and Offers

University Heights offers two distinct screened programs that cater to students' diverse interests and aspirations:

Humanities

The Humanities program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the studies of literature, the arts, and social sciences. Students explore common threads in different cultures and human history, developing critical thinking skills and effective communication. The program fosters curiosity and a deeper understanding of themselves and their relation to the world. Admission to this program requires students to complete an assignment as part of the admissions process.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

The STEM program provides rigorous, hands-on courses in science, technology, and math, including robotics, media, history of engineering and inquiry, technology, calculus, and computer science. Qualified students can participate in an executive apprenticeship in STEM fields, including medicine and science research.

Admission to both programs is based on a school-based assessment and, in some cases, course grades.

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Student Life and Activities

University Heights offers a vibrant student life with a wide array of extracurricular activities and sports:

PSAL Sports

The school participates in the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), offering a variety of sports for both boys and girls, including:

Boys: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Rugby, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball
Girls: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

Other Sports and Clubs

In addition to PSAL sports, University Heights offers other sports like Archery and Dance. A diverse range of clubs, including 3D Printing, Anime, Arduino, Art to Art Broadway Show Program, Arts Connection, Baking, Band, and Book Club, cater to students' varied interests.

Demographics

University Heights Secondary School serves a diverse student body. The majority of the student population is of Hispanic or African-American ethnicity.

Health and Wellness

University Heights High School is served by the Montefiore School Health Program, which features a full staff including a psychologist, doctor, and nurse. The School-Based Health Center (SBHC), operated by Montefiore Medical Center, provides enrolled students with access to medical, behavioral health, and dental health services during school operating hours.

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A History of Success

University Heights has a long-standing tradition of preparing students for success in college and beyond. The school produces multiple POSSE scholarship recipients and Gates Millennium scholarship winners each year. Top graduates have been admitted to highly selective colleges such as New York University, University of Wisconsin, Spelman, Bard, Vassar, Trinity, Sarah Lawrence, Brown, and Columbia.

Commitment to the Whole Person

University Heights is committed to the development of the "whole person," encouraging students to develop intellectually, socially, physically, and ethically. The school fosters a community where cooperation and mutual trust are valued, and where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions and learning. The school aims to produce confident, independent thinkers who excel beyond the norm and are unafraid to accept the challenges of functioning at the optimum levels of their abilities.

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