Creators Academy

Creators Academy, formerly the Urban Assembly School for Music and Art, is a small arts-themed public high school in Downtown Brooklyn/DUMBO, founded in 2005. With an enrollment of 139 students, it is significantly smaller than most NYC high schools. The school integrates literacy and the arts into all aspects of its instructional program, aiming to develop critical thinkers and creative communicators through self-expression. A notable feature is its rigorous Bard Early College Academy, which allows students to earn substantial tuition-free college credits alongside their high school diploma. The school does not require special auditions or portfolios for admission, emphasizing broad access to arts and early college opportunities. The school boasts a 100% four-year graduation rate, which is well above the citywide median. Parent survey results are overwhelmingly positive, with 100% favorable responses across various questions, and students generally report feeling safe. Parents and students frequently praise the dedicated and caring teachers who often provide extra help and personalized attention, a benefit of the school's small size. However, Regents pass rates are mixed; while US History is above the 65% passing mark, English and Living Environment are below, and Algebra I, Global History, and Earth/Space Sciences are significantly lower. College enrollment within six months of graduation is near the citywide median. Some students and families express a desire for more challenging academics and better preparation for college-level writing, despite the availability of AP courses. The school also lacks a gym and auditorium, and some students desire more extracurricular activities.