Perhaps you’ve wondered what makes Lower East Side Preparatory High School tick. This public school serves students in grades 9 to 12. It sits at 145 Stanton Street, right here on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Lower East Side Preparatory High School began in Chinatown back in 1973. Its first students were mostly Chinese immigrants. Later, it joined the New York City Board of Education. It became a transfer school serving students from all five boroughs and other countries.
What’s really impressive is that around 80% of Lower East Side Preparatory High School students go on to college. The school prepares students for college and future careers. It offers many programs including Bilingual Spanish or Chinese classes and ENL programs. Advanced Placement classes, extended day programs and robotics are also available.
Lower East Side Preparatory High School is dedicated to helping its students succeed. It even earned the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This award recognized the school’s work in expanding women’s access to computer science.
As of 2022–23, Lower East Side Preparatory High School had 438 students. The school had about 38 classroom teachers. This makes for a student-teacher ratio of about 12 to 1. About 66% of students were eligible for free lunch.
Inside Lower East Side Preparatory High School, you will find a traditional tone. Students and teachers report that the school is safe. Students, parents, and teachers give the school high ratings. City data suggests that most students make progress regardless of their starting point. Roughly half the students speak Spanish and about a third speak Chinese.
Lower East Side Preparatory High School provides technology like a media center with iPads. It has wireless computer labs. Students can participate in MOUSE Squad Certification and Maker Bot 3D printing. Other options include computer science, Cricut Design, and Photoshop lessons.
Each student at Lower East Side Preparatory High School gets a guidance counselor. The counselor tracks their progress and helps with planning. Students can earn course credits in several ways. They can attend classes at night, after school, or on Saturday. Independent study is another option.
Teachers at Lower East Side Preparatory High School encourage discussion, reading, writing, and teamwork. The school provides support staff including guidance and college counselors. A social worker and a substance abuse specialist are also available. Impressively, the guidance staff speaks Chinese and English. Lawyers visit the school twice a year providing free legal help to families.
Lower East Side Preparatory High School shares its building with the School for Global Leaders. It offers clubs like chess, web design, and dance. SAT prep and sports are available, too. School events such as Thanksgiving dinner and talent shows build community.
Consider the Lower East Side Preparatory High School’s impact. This school gives immigrant students a chance. It sets them on the path to college and beyond. Lower East Side Preparatory High School is not just a school. It is a stepping stone to opportunity.