Emma Lazarus High School
MANHATTAN NY 10002 Map
Emma Lazarus High School
The Emma Lazarus High School offers small classes and a supportive environment for older students who are new to this country and still learning English. Most classes are taught in English, but many of the staff speak other languages. Many teachers are trained to teach English as a Second Language (ESAL) as well as history, science or math. Many teachers have taught outside of the United States.
"We have 18 languages spoken here," Principal Melody Kellogg said on our visit. The top three are Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese and Spanish. Students with different native languages are grouped together in class to encourage them to speak English. In a U.S. history class, Fulani-, French-, and Chinese-speakers discussed federalism and the U.S. Constitution. Most students in the class had been in the country less than 10 months. Many of the students have had low levels of education in their home countries, and face financial hardships as they adjust to life in the United States.
The transfer school shares a building with Pace High School and MS 131. Opened in 2009, Emma Lazarus has a young and dedicated staff and a safe and disciplined atmosphere. Attendance is high, and staffers check in with any student who is absent. In addition to their regular high school courses, students have a triple-period of ESL once a week. The classes we visited seemed to have a good mix of conversational English, grammar, and exercises in writing. Students seemed animated and engaged.
The school offers various internships and career exploration with the New York City Mission Society. After school activities such as yoga, dance class and henna workshops encourage community building and cultural exploration. However, sports, art and music are limited.
Admissions: The school accepts English Language Learners who are at least 16 years old. (Cassandra Lizaire, November 2010)
At a glance
Number of Students 228
Average Daily Attendance 93%
Metal detectors? No
INCOMING STUDENTS' PROFICIENCY: NA 2.40 CITYWIDE AVERAGE
Safety & vibe
ARE CLASSES BIG?
Number of students in an average english class27 25 CITYWIDE AVERAGE
DO STUDENTS LIKE THE TEACHERS?
How many students say their teachers inspire them to learn?84% 63% CITYWIDE AVERAGE
DO TEACHERS LIKE THE PRINCIPAL?
How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?69% 78% CITYWIDE AVERAGE
IS THIS SCHOOL SAFE?
How many students say they feel safe in hallways, bathrooms and locker rooms?94% 82% CITYWIDE AVERAGE
How many teachers say order and discipline are maintained in the school?93% 77% CITYWIDE AVERAGE
How Many Students are Chronically Absent?18% 38% CITYWIDE AVERAGE
Class of 2013
How many students passed a Regents exam for algebra 2, physics or chemistry?NA
Is the guidance counseling helpful?
How many students say that this school provides helpful counseling on college or job-seeking?85% 76% CITYWIDE AVERAGE