Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School

Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, serving grades 9-12 in the Bronx, is recognized for its strong community focus and commitment to social justice, embodying the legacy of its namesake. It cultivates a warm, family-like atmosphere where staff are known to connect personally with students and families. The school emphasizes college and career readiness through college classes, internships, and digital courses, supported by a dedicated Children's Aid Student Success Center. A notable strength is its 91% four-year graduation rate, which is above the citywide median. Additionally, 86% of students successfully complete approved college or career preparatory courses and exams, well above the citywide average. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with survey results showing 99-100% positivity, and students report high favorability for safety and fair conflict resolution. The school employs a progressive educational philosophy, utilizing performance-based assessments (PBATs) for graduation instead of most Regents exams, except for English. While the English Regents pass rate is 56.3%, some parents and students have expressed a desire for more challenging coursework, particularly in higher-level math, to enhance college preparation. The school is housed in a bright, clean building with a well-equipped library, technology lab, STEAM Room, and a rooftop garden.