High School of Economics and Finance

The High School of Economics and Finance, located in Manhattan's Financial District, offers a college-preparatory education with a strong emphasis on business, economics, and finance. The school is known for its robust ESTEEM program, which integrates economics, science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, and mathematics, alongside numerous Advanced Placement (AP) and CUNY College Now courses. Students benefit from strong corporate and community partnerships, including opportunities for job shadowing, internships, and mentoring, and receive support from a dedicated college advisement staff. The school boasts an impressive 95% graduation rate, which is well above the citywide median and near the 75th percentile, and its college enrollment rate of 72.9% is also above the citywide median. Regents pass rates are particularly strong in English, US History, Global History, and Languages Other Than English. Parents express exceptionally high satisfaction with the school, with survey results consistently at 96-100% positive. The school also maintains a 0% suspension rate. However, some students and alumni have raised concerns regarding the academic rigor in math and science departments, reflected in lower Regents pass rates for subjects like Geometry, Algebra I/II, and Chemistry. Student surveys also indicate mixed sentiment on school climate, with some reporting issues with bullying, drug use, and physical fights, despite a general feeling of safety. The school occupies a multi-story building that was formerly an NYU graduate business school, offering a unique urban setting, though some students find the multi-floor layout and basement gym challenging.