 Valerie J. Reidy, Principal
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you get into Bronx Science?Admission to Bronx Science is based exclusively on an entrance examination (the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test - SHSAT) administered by the New York City Department of Education. We are not permitted to take into account academic grades and extracurricular activities in the student's current school though we have found that students who are successful in the lower grades, are involved in extracurricular activities, have a good attendance record, are serious and well behaved are most often successful at Science. Check the admissions section on the website for more information.
Are all NYC students eligible to attend Bronx Science?
All students must be New York City residents to attend The Bronx High School of Science. All students who are currently in the Eighth Grade or Ninth Grade may take the examination for The Bronx High School of Science (the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test - SHSAT) regardless of whether they attend public, private or parochial schools. Students who receive a score on the examination at or above the "cut-off" score (which changes each year) are invited to attend. Approximately 750 freshmen (ninth graders) and 30 sophomores (tenth graders) enter the school each fall. There is no spring term admission and the school accepts no transfer students after the Ninth Grade.
How do I arrange for my child to take the test?
All students must apply by obtaining an application from the guidance department at their current school. The specialized high schools are explicitly forbidden from distributing applications.
How many students attend Bronx Science?
The size of the student body at The Bronx High School of Science is approximately 2,700 students. The size ranges from about 2,600 to 2,800 students.
How diverse is the school?
Bronx Science students comprise one of the most diversified student bodies in New York City.
What is the average class size at Bronx Science?
The average class size ranges between 28 and 34. Typically, required classes are in the 32 to 34 student range and electives, special classes and Advanced Placement Classes are in the range of 20 to 30 students. Physical Education classes may range as high as 50 students per class. Performing Music classes range from 20 to 25 in a class such as Small Ensemble to over 100 in a Chorus performance course though the class meets in smaller groups for regular rehearsals.
What is the student to teacher ratio?
The student to teacher ratio is approximately 20:1.
What is the ratio of boys to girls?
The ratio of boys to girls at Science ranges from 51:49 to 49:51 averaging 50:50.
What are the surroundings of Bronx Science?
The Bronx High School of Science is located on 205th Street between Paul and Goulden Avenues. It faces the Lehman College campus to the south and the Jerome Park Reservoir provides a "water-view" to the west. It is bounded by the DeWitt Clinton High School Athletic Field to the north and the Tracy Towers apartments to the east. This location provides a quiet, insular atmosphere which is conducive to the educational process. In the beginning of each school year, Bronx Science offers an Open House to all interested families and the date is posted on our website.
Do any private bus companies service Bronx Science?
Yes, however The Bronx High School of Science has not given its endorsement or approval to any particular company - please click on this link for more information
Does the school have students declare majors?
Students do not declare majors though they may elect to concentrate in an area when they select their elective courses; for example: a student who is interested in biology may elect to take Microbiology and Forensic Science as elective science fourth and fifth major courses in the senior year and possibly an extra (sixth) major course relating to biology in the junior year.
What special courses are offered at Bronx Science?
Advanced Placement, Honors Classes and Electives are offered in: English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Biology, Physical Sciences, Foreign Language, Technology, Fine Arts, Music, and Health & Physical Education.
Please click here to view the current Course Catalog
Students are provided opportunities for independent research. Bronx Science has had more than twice as many finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search than any other school in the nation. In addition, there is a full range of extracurricular activities.
What kinds of hands-on facilities are offered at Bronx Science?
Bronx Science has several hands-on facilities which include but are not limited to: a television production studio, a greenhouse, a planetarium, a weather station, a yearbook studio, a newspaper lab, and Bronx Science's very own and very extensive Holocaust Museum.
How can students pursue music and art at Bronx Science?
If a student enters Science experienced in performing music he/she may audition for a performing group. The performing musical groups at Science are Stage Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Small Ensemble. Students are allowed to belong to performing groups throughout their high school career. There are no beginning instrumental classes. Students may pursue Music classes in our Digital Music Lab, Advanced Placement Music Theory course or in our Music Appreciation course.
Students may pursue Fine Arts at Science by taking advantage of the Art Elective Program which offers Painting, Photography, Advanced Placement Art History, Advanced Placement Studio Art, Computer Graphics and Studio in Art.
What types of extracurricular activities are offered at Bronx Science?
No matter what your interests are, chances are that you will find an extracurricular activity, team, or club which interests you. The extracurricular life at Bronx Science enriches the educational experience and, with our diverse student body, it's no wonder that Bronx Science has over 60 clubs, and a variety of academic and athletic teams.
Are the publications and clubs run by the students?
Publications and clubs are run almost exclusively by students. Every publication and club has a faculty advisor. All publications are published at the discretion of the principal.
What type of help is offered to students who are having difficulty in classes?
Free tutoring is available in the five major disciplines to students who need extra help. Hours are during the school day and after school. Please check the website for the In School and After School Tutoring schedules.
Free tutoring is also available by Arista students. Students may apply for peer tutoring at the Arista office or on the Arista website. Tutoring sessions may be arranged during the school day or after school by students who have been successful in the same course.