Nelson Mandela High School

Nelson Mandela High School, located in Brooklyn, is a small high school serving grades 9-12 with a strong focus on social justice, civics, and technology. The school employs a student-centered approach, fostering critical consciousness and leadership through media-based pathways. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School, it aims to develop critical thinkers and ethically-minded individuals. Students have opportunities to earn Computer Science certifications and a New York State Civic Seal. A unique partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation offers the potential for international travel to South Africa. The school shares a campus with Boys and Girls High School, allowing students to participate in a range of campus sports, including a championship football team. Parent sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with families praising the supportive teachers, engaging programs, and strong community environment. However, academic outcomes present a mixed picture. The school's four-year graduation rate of 89% is near the citywide median, but its college enrollment rate of 36.4% is well below the citywide 25th percentile, indicating a concern for post-secondary readiness. Student survey results also highlight areas for improvement regarding school cleanliness, fair conflict resolution, and instances of bullying or physical altercations.