Our History

The vision for NYHS came from the idea that the youth of New York City deserved two things which were denied to many of them: a quality education; and access to the waterbody surrounding their home. And they deserved that both of these places be fun, safe, clean and educational. Throughout New York, one saw inspiring efforts in both of these areas: Floating the Apple rowing from Pier 40; Rocking the Boat building wooden boats in the Bronx; The River Project displaying the vibrant life of the Harbor in an estuarium; and South Street Seaport Museum connecting people to the city's maritime history. At the same time, one saw the successes of the small and theme-based schools and charter schools throughout New York City creating innovative educational opportunities.

In the summer of 2002, Murray Fisher, who was working at Waterkeeper Alliance, posed the question to Richard Kahan, who had started two innovative public high schools in the Bronx: What about a maritime high school? And in fall 2002 they decided to respond to New Visions for Public School's Request for Proposals for new schools with NYHS. Immediately, Murray's former organization, Waterkeeper Alliance, and South Street Seaport Museum came on board as Founding Partners, and a team was developed to write a proposal that included high school students, high school parents, teachers, partners, and Nate Dudley, the eventual principal of NYHS. The proposal was written and the school plan developed for two March presentations to New Visions for Public School, the Department of Education, and several large funders including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In April 2003 the school was approved with several months to create a plan, curriculum, staff, student body and facility in time to open in September 2003.

The school's team began work in earnest. Eight highly qualified and dedicated teachers were hired for the first year. We are in our fourth year, and all eight remain. Three Founding Partners were part of the proposal process. All three remain. 125 students -- 90% of whom were below or far below grade level in math and reading -- were admitted. Many had shown little or no interest and had struggled in middle school. Three years later over 90 remain, and the majority of those who left have moved out of state. These levels of retention are extremely encouraging.

Each year, the school has continued to grow, continued to show successful gains in student achievement, and continued to make New York Harbor's ecological and cultural resources its focus. Individuals at all levels of the organization of this team have collaborated to create a strong, thriving school.

Beginning in September 2006 New York Harbor School joined the Urban Assembly network of 17 schools in the newly formed Department of Education Empowerment Zone.

Click here to keep reading about leadership at NYHS.