Humanities Preparatory Academy

Humanities Preparatory Academy is a small, progressive high school in Manhattan, known for its nurturing and intellectually rich community. Founded in 1996, it offers a personalized education rooted in core values like respect for intellect, democracy, and diversity, aiming to prepare students for the rigor of college work. The school is housed on the third floor of the Bayard Rustin Educational Campus in Chelsea, sharing facilities with other schools, which some note can make the space feel limited. A swimming pool is anticipated to open in 2026. Academically, the school emphasizes inquiry, discovery, and collaboration, focusing on critical thinking, research, and writing through Performance-Based Assessment Tasks (PBATs) rather than most Regents exams. It offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and College Now programs. While some feedback suggests that certain academic areas, particularly math and science, might not be sufficiently challenging for all students, the overall academic approach is valued for preparing students for college-level work. The school boasts a graduation rate at the citywide median and a college enrollment rate well above the citywide 75th percentile, indicating strong post-secondary readiness. Parents consistently report overwhelmingly positive experiences, and students frequently highlight the strong sense of community and supportive, family-like atmosphere. Teachers are widely praised for being approachable, caring, and deeply invested in student success. The school employs a restorative justice approach to discipline and features a robust advisory program.