The Unseen Success: 5 Surprising Facts About Brooklyn International High School’s Unique Model For Immigrant Students
Contents
BIHS at a Glance: Leadership and Core Mission
Brooklyn International High School (BIHS), sometimes referred to as Brooklyn International High School at Waters Edge, is a public high school in District 13 of Brooklyn, New York. The school's foundation is built on a specialized approach designed for students who have been in the country for four years or less. This model is a direct result of its 1994 founding in partnership with the Internationals Network for Public Schools (INPS), an organization committed to transforming education for immigrant and refugee students.Key School Profile Details
- School Name: Brooklyn International High School (BIHS)
- Location: 49 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- NYCDOE District: District 13
- Founding Year: 1994
- Student Body Focus: Recently arrived adolescent immigrant students/Multilingual Learners (MLLs)
- Languages Spoken: Students represent over 32 different parts of the world, speaking approximately 20 different languages.
- Current Principal: Kathleen Rucker
- Assistant Principal: Laura Alcazar
- Guidance Counselor: Ken Kastenbaum
The Innovative Educational Model: Teaching Teams and Topical Authority
The academic structure at Brooklyn International High School is intentionally designed to provide stability and deep, interdisciplinary learning, a model that has proven highly effective for students grappling with a new language and curriculum simultaneously.The Two-Year Teacher Team Approach
One of the most distinguishing features of the BIHS model is its teaching structure. The school is broken down into small, collaborative teaching teams. Crucially, students are assigned to the same team of teachers and remain with them for two consecutive years. This practice creates an incredibly strong sense of community and stability, allowing teachers to:- Develop a deep understanding of each student's specific academic and emotional needs.
- Tailor instruction to address the rapid development of English language skills.
- Foster strong, trusting relationships that are essential for students who may have experienced significant life disruption.
Focus on Language and Content Integration
The curriculum at BIHS is centered around helping English Language Learners (ELLs) develop language, intellectual, and collaborative abilities so they can become active participants in their new society. Instead of isolating language instruction, BIHS integrates it directly into content-area classes. Students learn math, science, and social studies while simultaneously building their academic English vocabulary and comprehension. This approach ensures that students do not fall behind in core subjects while mastering their new language.The "Be The Change" Initiative
For its senior class, BIHS features the "Team 'Be The Change'" initiative, a 12th-grade program designed to channel the students' diverse global perspectives into meaningful civic engagement. This program likely serves as a capstone experience, encouraging graduating students to apply their newly acquired language and collaborative skills to address social issues, preparing them not just for college but for active citizenship. This focus on global perspectives and community action is a hallmark of the International Network for Public Schools philosophy.More Than Academics: The Cultural Life and Recent Successes of BIHS
Beyond the classroom, Brooklyn International High School provides a variety of programs and clubs that celebrate its students' cultural heritage and provide unique opportunities for success, making the student experience holistic and supportive.The Phenomenal PSAL Cricket Team
In a striking example of cultural integration and athletic success, BIHS is one of the relatively few American public high schools with a formal, highly successful Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) cricket team. The program, which began around 2009, was a direct response to the large number of Bangladeshi and other South Asian students who brought a passion for the sport with them to New York City.- The cricket team is a major point of pride, providing a familiar cultural touchstone and a strong sense of belonging for many students.
- The team’s success has been notably observed, drawing attention to the school’s overall achievements.
- This program is a perfect example of the "new kind of love" and community the school fosters, as highlighted in the April 2024 news coverage. It is through unique, culturally resonant activities like this that students feel truly seen and supported.
College and Career Pathways
Given that the core mission is to prepare new immigrants for life in the U.S., college and career readiness are paramount. The school actively prepares students for the transition to higher education, covering topics like College Admissions and College Entrance Exams. While specific, recent matriculation data is often private, the school's commitment to advanced coursework and its specialized guidance counseling ensures that students are equipped with the tools necessary to navigate the American college application process—a challenging task even for native speakers.Addressing Student Concerns
While the academic and social support is widely praised by students, who often highlight how the school "helped me a lot with my English," the physical facilities sometimes lag behind. One minor but persistent complaint noted in student reviews is the condition of the school gym, a common issue in many older NYC public school buildings. Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment is that the supportive atmosphere and dedication to academic progress far outweigh any facility shortcomings.Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Comprehensive Educational Plan
The commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the school's forward-looking planning. The existence of a Comprehensive Educational Plan for the 2024-2025 academic year, as well as a calendar for 2025-2026 Family Association Meetings, confirms that BIHS is actively working to refine its strategies and maintain an open dialogue with its diverse community. This planning ensures that the unique needs of its multilingual learners—from translation services to metro card availability and dinner service—are continually met, reinforcing its status as a leading model for international high schools across the nation. Brooklyn International High School is far more than a typical high school; it is a critical stepping stone for a generation of new Americans. By focusing relentlessly on language acquisition, providing a stable, team-based teaching environment, and celebrating its students' diverse cultures through programs like the PSAL cricket team, BIHS successfully helps its students not just survive but thrive in their new home.
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