Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts

Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts (McKinneySSA) in Brooklyn serves students in grades 6-12, offering a small learning community environment that many parents describe as family-like, fostering close connections with teachers. The school is known for its strong focus on visual and performing arts, with students auditioning for programs in dance, vocal music, drama, and visual arts. It boasts dedicated art, dance, and music recording studios, a Black Box Theater, and a modern 500-seat auditorium. Academically, McKinneySSA provides a rigorous program, including Advanced Placement courses, supported by a 1:1 laptop program and a digital design lab with 3D printers. The school emphasizes holistic development, social-emotional wellness through restorative circles, and offers Zen and Recreation rooms, alongside a fitness room. Parent surveys indicate overwhelmingly positive satisfaction with the school's environment and staff. While student surveys show high favorability for safety agents and feeling safe in common areas, there are mixed results regarding cleanliness and fair conflict resolution, with some concerns about bullying and physical altercations. High school outcomes present areas for growth, with graduation and college enrollment rates falling below citywide 25th percentile benchmarks, and Regents pass rates generally low across several subjects.