Urban Assembly School for Media Studies, The

The Urban Assembly School for Media Studies is a high school in Manhattan known for its focus on media arts, journalism, and digital production, aiming to cultivate critical thinkers. The school emphasizes career readiness, participating in the Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA) pilot, which provides students with courses to explore career interests and opportunities for paid apprenticeships in fields like tech, finance, and business. Parents and students frequently describe the school's smaller size as fostering a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where students feel supported and connected. Teachers are often praised for their dedication, approachability, and investment in students' academic and personal growth. The school's four-year graduation rate of 89% is solid, aligning with the citywide median, and its college enrollment rate of 66.6% is also at the citywide median. However, Regents pass rates across various subjects are generally low, indicating an area for academic improvement. While parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, student surveys present a more mixed picture regarding school climate, with some concerns about bullying and physical altercations, though students generally report feeling safe.