ABOUT WATCH HIGH SCHOOL

 

WATCH’s mission is to prepare the vulnerable adolescents of the East New York (ENY) community to make healthy choices, to lead healthy lives, and to advocate for the total health of their families, their community, their nation, and their world; to expose students to all aspects of the health care field and to the variety of career options the field offers; to create a learning environment that is socially supportive; and to offer an academically rigorous curriculum leading to an advanced regents diploma to ensure students access to higher education and preparation for lifelong activism.

 

Why a Health-Focused High School?

 

WATCH is located in East New York (ENY), Brooklyn. Census 2000 data indicates that in the school’s zip code, 11207, virtually all residents are people of color.ENY has one of the highest concentrations of public housing and is home to one of the largest concentrations of Caribbean and Latin American immigrants in the City.

 

ENY is a fairly young community, with over 70% of residents under the age of 45, and 34% under the age of 18. Female-headed households account for almost 40% of all households.75% of all households in 11207 live below 200% of the Federal Poverty level.The unemployment rate is a staggering 18%.

 

The socio-economic challenges and hardships that plague the residents of ENY directly contribute to the community is extremely poor health status, evident in the wide range of illnesses and diseases that affect persons of all ages. Yet despite the need, there is an acute shortage of physicians in the community.

 

How will WATCH Achieve Success?

 

As a small, college preparation high school, we are open to all NYC students. In addition, as an Empowerment School we have the flexibility to design a school and curriculum based on proven best practices from top schools in low-income settings. Specifically, we will:Set high expectations, academically and behaviorally, for all our students, regardless of whatever challenges they may face outside of school.Ensure time for real world application through required 40 hours of Community Service as well as Service Learning through field placements in Health Settings.In addition, guest speakers from the health field are brought into the classroom to bring a real world application to the curricula.Immerse students in Health Education through their education at the WATCH.Help struggling students through small class sizes and integration of Academic Assistance Services during the school day and after school.Know every child personally through small classes in advisory sessions where students discuss a range of psycho-emotional issues related to Heath Build strong relationships with families to help them support their children.