FDNY - Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety

The FDNY - Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety in Brooklyn offers a specialized high school experience focused on preparing students for careers as firefighters and EMTs. The school provides a rigorous four-year FDNY Curriculum Track, including hands-on training and opportunities for EMT certification for eligible seniors. Beyond emergency services, the school also features programs in Cybersecurity and Networking Technology and Law and Civic Leadership, with students potentially earning a Seal of Civic Readiness. The school is located on the Thomas Jefferson Educational Campus, sharing facilities and sports teams with other schools. Parents express overwhelmingly positive sentiment, reporting high satisfaction with the school's environment and communication. The staff and leadership are often described as caring and motivating, fostering a supportive atmosphere. While student surveys indicate a generally safe environment with positive views on safety agents, some students report concerns regarding bullying, physical altercations, and substance use. Academic outcomes present areas for development, with graduation rates and college enrollment percentages falling below citywide averages, and Regents pass rates indicating a need for improvement.