New York City’s first new public high school in 60 years opened to students on September 19.
Designed by Ennead Architects, East Harlem Scholars Academy High School aligns with the East Harlem Tutorial Program’s (EHTP) goal to familiarize its students with a collegiate-like environment in preparation for their future academic transition.
“We hope this serves as a model for future public schools throughout the city for years to come,” said Steven Chu, a design partner at Ennead, in a prepared statement.
High school encourages study and research
The 70,000-sf building provides students with spaces needed to support a flexible, enhanced academic schedule, and to accommodate programming across all EHTP schools. The building’s six stories include 25 classrooms, an art and music room, and fully equipped labs for biology, chemistry, and physics.
The school also features a college access suite that encourages study and research, and provides college counseling, SAT and Regents test prep, and EHTP’s flagship College Mentoring Program. The building’s design includes break-out and small-group study areas.
To fit the needs of all students, including those who are neurodivergent, the design team incorporated special lighting and sound, as well as ample acoustical absorption within the walls of the school’s lobby and cafeteria. The design of the classrooms and stairwells lets in natural light and takes into account visibility to reinforce openness and transparency.
School features sustainable design
The school’s amenities include a full-sized gym, a Black Box Theater, and cafeteria, with an eye toward making the school a community hub. To the right of the cafeteria is a backyard terrace. And the building’s glass façade offers generous views of the city.
Sustainability is also on display. To mitigate the effects of flooding, the high school, located on 104th Street and First Avenue, is in a designated flood zone. The lobby is lifted three feet above ground level. And a blue roof captures stormwater for easier drainage.
East Harlem Scholars Academy High School consolidates the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, which had been operating out of temporary buildings at 96th and 106th streets on Second Avenue. The new school serves 326 students, 67% of whom are Hispanic, and 28% are Black.
Related Stories
| Jul 25, 2012
KBE Building renovates UConn dining hall
Construction for McMahon Dining Hall will be completed in September 2012.
| Jul 20, 2012
2012 Giants 300 Special Report
Ranking the leading firms in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.
| Jul 20, 2012
K-12 Schools Report: ‘A lot of pent-up need,’ with optimism for ’13
The Giants 300 Top 25 AEC Firms in the K-12 Schools Sector.
| Jul 16, 2012
Business school goes for maximum vision, transparency, and safety with fire rated glass
Architects were able to create a 2-hour exit enclosure/stairwell that provided vision and maximum fire safety using fire rated glazing that seamlessly matched the look of other non-rated glazing systems.
| Jul 12, 2012
Chicago Public Schools names Lend Lease team as construction manager
Under this Capital Improvement Program, the Lend Lease team will be responsible for renovation and life safety work at over 100 Chicago Public Schools across the City.
| Jul 2, 2012
Plumosa School of the Arts earns LEED Gold
Education project dedicated to teaching sustainability in the classroom.
| Jun 12, 2012
BCA Architects transforms Anaheim schools into dynamic learning environments
BCA Architects was selected to update the district's long-range master plan.
| Jun 8, 2012
Nauset Construction completing sustainable dorm for Brooks School
Student input on green elements provides learning experience.
| Jun 8, 2012
Chestnut Hill College dedicates Jack and Rosemary Murphy Gulati complex
Casaccio Yu Architects designed the 11,300-sf fitness and social complex.
| Jun 1, 2012
New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available
By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.