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Life Academy High School for Film and Music

Grades 9-12 · 2630 BENSON AVENUE · Brooklyn

Eugenia Kelch, Principal · 718-333-7750

About

Life Academy High School for Film and Music offers a small, intimate learning environment for grades 9-12, emphasizing film, filmmaking, video/audio production, and new media through student-centered, project-based courses. The school aims to build communication skills, creativity, and offers a multi-year sequence in film and a track in music production. Parents report exceptionally high satisfaction with the school community and support. The school is noted for fostering close relationships between staff and students, with many teachers described as caring and dedicated. However, academic outcomes present a mixed picture. The four-year graduation rate is a concern, falling well below the citywide median, as is the percentage of graduates enrolling in college. Regents pass rates are varied, with strong performance in Languages Other Than English and US History, but lower rates in mathematics and sciences. While the school offers Advanced Placement courses and college partnerships, some students have expressed concerns about academic rigor and feeling unprepared for college. There have also been reports of parents raising concerns about educational needs and the learning environment. Students have also noted a desire for more robust film and music programs that fully align with the school's name.

Sources (10)

Academics

Coursework, class size, and academic context.

Academic paceBalancedmedium confidence

Attendance rate

96%

Avg class size (general ed)

—

Avg class size (ICT)

—

AP & college-level courses^[1]

Algebra II (Advanced Math)
AP African American Studies
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP United States History
AP World History: Modern
Chemistry (Advanced Science)
Science (College Course [Credited])
Social Studies (College Course [Credited])
World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

10 Advanced Placement / college-level courses offered.

Electives, clubs & activities^[1]

Clubs & activities: Double Dutch, My Sister's Keepers, My Brother's Keepers, National Honors Society,Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Gaming Club, Beautification Committee, Theater Club, After-School Tutoring, Film, Piano Class, Student Government, iLearn, AP for All, College Now

Offerings vary year to year.

Arts offerings^[1]

Digital Media Arts

Arts and music courses offered.

Outcomes

^[6]

Graduation, test scores, and what happens after senior year.

4-year graduation rate

75%

Enrolled in college within 6 months

58%

College & career ready

41%

Where graduates enroll

4-year college 25%
2-year college 33%
Not enrolled 42%

Share of graduates by destination within 6 months. “Not enrolled” covers graduates not in a tracked postsecondary program (work, military, or unreported).

College entrance exams

SAT Math400

SAT Reading & Writing384

Average score among this school’s test-takers. Few NYC schools report the ACT, so those rows appear only where published.

Regents pass rates

Algebra I61%

Algebra II49%

Chemistry10%

Earth & Space Sciences40%

English54%

Geometry19%

Global History66%

Living Environment42%

U.S. History76%

World Languages88%

Share of students who took each Regents exam this year and scored 65 or higher. Exams with too few test-takers to report are omitted. Bars compare against NYC high schools reporting the same exam.

These figures describe recent graduating classes, not a guarantee for any student. College enrollment counts any postsecondary program within 6 months of graduation, and “college & career ready” is the DOE’s 4-year readiness measure.

Community & climate

Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.

Quality signals

FacultyExcellentAI-estimated

Parent survey · overall positive

98%100% response rate

Teacher survey · overall positive

93%86% response rate

Student survey · overall positive

79%80% response rate

Survey topics

Safety84%city 76%

Conflicts are resolved fairly in this school.75%
I feel safe…outside around this school.80%
I feel safe…traveling between home and this school.87%
I feel safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.90%
I feel safe…in my classes at this school.95%
Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.100%
School Safety Agents promote a safe and respectful environment.90%
At this school students drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, or abuse prescription drugs.73%
At this school students get into physical fights.68%
At this school there is gang activity.81%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 76% citywide.

Bullying prevention70%city 57%

At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.75%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, language/accent, or citizenship/immigration status.75%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.77%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other because of other differences, like different body type or disability.80%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate each other online (through mobile phones, social media, email, or other forms of electronic communication).78%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.32%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (70%) is their average, vs 57% citywide.

Emotional support71%city 69%

I know where to go at my school if I need additional support with my mental-health.88%
During this school year, most days I have felt happy when at school.82%
During this school year, most days I have felt safe when at school.85%
During this school year, most days I have felt optimistic when at school.78%
During this school year, most days I have felt bored when at school.38%
During this school year, most days I have felt stressed when at school.49%
During this school year, most days I have felt worried when at school.58%
There is time at school to talk about feelings and emotions.72%
How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.78%
How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.78%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.78%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.63%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (71%) is their average, vs 69% citywide.

Personal attention71%city 67%

In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…ask if I have everything that I need to succeed in their class.67%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…give me specific suggestions about how I can improve my work in class.67%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…explain things a different way if I don't understand something in class.70%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers…support me when I am upset.67%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing personally.69%
Adults at this school check in with me frequently about how I’m doing academically.79%
I feel like I belong at this school.80%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (71%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

Academic expectations73%city 71%

The classes at this school prepare me for the next step in my education.89%
In how many of your classes …are you challenged?.50%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers have high expectations for you?.68%
In how many of your classes …are you encouraged to work in small groups?.61%
In how many of your classes …do your teachers want you to become better thinkers, not just memorize things?.76%
In how many of your classes …do you get so focused on learning during class activities that you lose track of time?.58%
In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including English language learners (ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.100%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.84%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (73%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.

Clear instruction75%city 73%

In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? My teachers make learning expectations clear.72%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? Class assignments are purposeful in learning the course content.77%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? The work I do in class is good preparation for class assignments, projects, and assessments.82%
In how many of your classes, this school year, do YOU feel the following statement is true? I learn a lot from feedback on my work.68%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 73% citywide.

College & career guidance89%city 86%

Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… meet with me to discuss what I plan to do after high school. [Grades 9-12].80%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… encourage me to continue my education after high school. [Grades 9-12].89%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… provide me with information about the college application process. [Grades 9-12].82%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… help me plan for how to meet my future career goals. [Grades 9-12].85%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… encourage students of all races, ethnicities, genders, cultures, and backgrounds to take challenging classes. [Grades 9-12].86%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… advise me to take advanced courses. [Grades 9-12].79%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… help me consider which colleges to apply to. [Grades 9-12].88%
Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors, and the principal)… show me options for how to pay for college (scholarship, grants, loans, work study programs, etc.). [Grades 9-12].80%
Adults at this school...meet with students to discuss what they plan to do after high school.100%
Adults at this school...provide students with information about the college application process.100%
Adults at this school...help students plan for how to meet their future career goals.100%
Adults at this school...show students options for how to pay for college (scholarship, grants, loans, work study programs).100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Family outreach98%city 94%

At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.95%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.94%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.100%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.95%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.99%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.98%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.99%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.99%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.99%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Student–teacher trust86%city 82%

There is at least one adult at my school that I can confide in.86%
My teachers are open to students' ideas, suggestions, and comments.88%
My teachers always do what they say they will do.77%
My teachers treat me with respect.93%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (86%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Parent–teacher trust100%city 95%

I feel respected by my child's teachers.100%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.99%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.

Show all survey topics

Rigorous Instruction

Quality of Student Discussion74%city 67%

How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.67%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.72%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.83%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.78%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.71%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (74%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.

Collaborative Teachers

Peer Collaboration100%city 87%

At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.100%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.100%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.

Quality of Professional Development100%city 82%

Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.100%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...Included opportunities to engage in inquiry-based, professional collaboration with peers and/or mentors from other schools.100%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.

Innovation and Collective Responsibility99%city 79%

How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.100%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.100%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.95%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.100%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (99%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

School Commitment97%city 83%

I usually look forward to each working day at this school.95%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.95%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction95%city 89%

My teachers use examples of students’ different races and cultures in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.86%
My teachers use examples of students’ different backgrounds and families in their lessons to make learning more meaningful for me.81%
I see a variety of races, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds positively represented in the curriculum.92%
I see a variety of genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations positively represented in the curriculum.85%
At this school, we have productive conversations about race and racism where I feel my voice is heard.85%
My teachers treat students of different races, cultures, or backgrounds equally.93%
My teachers treat students of different genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations equally.96%
I feel that my teachers respect my culture, background, and identity.94%
I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.100%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.100%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.100%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.100%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.100%
I am able to...design appropriate instruction that is matched to students' need (e.g. English language learners (ELLs) or Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs) proficiency and students with disabilities).100%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.100%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.100%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.100%
I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.100%
I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.84%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.

Supportive Environment

Conflict Resolution84%city 79%

When a conflict arises, school staff use questions to encourage reflection and resolve it.84%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.

Classroom Behavior63%city 66%

How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.58%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.63%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.58%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.74%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (63%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Effective School Leadership

Program Coherence98%city 83%

At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.100%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.95%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (98%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.

Inclusive Leadership97%city 93%

The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.99%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.100%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.100%
I have the opportunity to work with adults at this school to make decisions in important areas that impact my life (e.g. instruction, safety, conflict resolution, etc.).90%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 93% citywide.

Instructional Leadership97%city 86%

The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.100%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.95%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.100%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.100%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.100%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.100%
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.79%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Teacher Influence96%city 66%

At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.100%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.89%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.95%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.95%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.

Strong Family-Community Ties

Strong Relationships100%city 90%

At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.

Parent Involvement in School89%city 63%

Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.98%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.89%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.79%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 63% citywide.

Trust

Teacher-Teacher Trust100%city 86%

Teachers in this school trust each other.100%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.100%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.100%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.

Parent-Principal Trust99%city 94%

I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.100%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).99%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.99%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (99%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.

Teacher-Principal Trust99%city 84%

I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.100%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.100%
The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.100%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).100%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.100%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.100%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.94%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (99%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.

Student-Student Trust83%city 70%

Most students at this school treat each other with respect.82%
Most students treat students from different cultures or backgrounds equally.84%

Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (83%) is their average, vs 70% citywide.

Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2023-2024). Survey topics are the DOE’s framework measures (each the average favorable response across its questions; expand a topic to see them and the citywide average); the dimension scores themselves are no longer in the public data file.^[3]

Operational health

Attendance

96%

Chronic absenteeism

53%

Suspension rate

Teachers^[7]

Teachers with 4+ years' experience

71%

Students per teacher

9:1

Teaching out of certification

15%

Teacher experience and certification from the NYSED School Report Card (2024–25); students per teacher = enrollment ÷ reported teachers. Fewer than 4 years counts as inexperienced.

Student body

Race / ethnicity^[4]

Asian 12%
Black 7%
Hispanic 45%
White 35%
Multiracial 1%

School-level totals; may not sum to 100% due to rounding and small subgroup suppression.

Gender^[4]

Female 55%
Male 45%

Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.

Enrollment

195

Economic Need Index

91%

Free / reduced lunch

82%

English learners

49%

Students with IEPs

18%

Admissions

Seats, applicants, and admissions method from the most recent cycle. Where the school enrolls separate tracks (general ed, students with disabilities, specialized education), each track is shown on its own row, with its priority order beneath it.

L.I.F.E. Academy High School for Business and Technology (L38A)

Program code L38A · Cycle 2024-2025

Ed OptProject-basedVisual arts

6 applicants · 66 seats last year; every priority group with applicants received offers.

priority group	Seats	Applicants	Apps / seat
General education	66	6	—
↳ New York City residents	<10	<10	1.00

Last year’s published figures. Schools make more offers than seats because not everyone enrolls, so offers can exceed seats. Counts under 10 are suppressed (shown as “<10”).

Apply on MySchools →

How to read Apps / seat and where the outlook buckets come from is explained in our methodology.

Location & commute

Where the school is and how to get there.

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