A 3-minute video that brings S2 High to life 👏

It gives me great pleasure to share more details about S2 High School in this newsletter. Located in a state-of-the-art, newly constructed building equidistant between our elementary and middle schools, it is being customized for our S2 community with some truly stunning features and learning resources.

While the sun-filled new facility is fabulous, the student experience is what I'm most excited about. The STEAM and civics-based curricular focus is critical to helping students develop essential skills, competencies, and dispositions, while an array of college programs, internships, and experiential learning opportunities (on and off campus) will uniquely prepare students to participate meaningfully in today's world.

As you know, opening our high school is a critical component of our mission to offer a cohesive Pre-K through Grade 12 educational path for the Washington Heights/Inwood community. The journey has taken years and a lot of hard work, but the reward is in sight. Current indications are that more than 80% of our current 8th graders will enroll, and there is extremely high demand for the few remaining spaces (12 applications for every open seat).

I am thrilled that we will open this fall with a robust 9th grade class in a high school that will be unparalleled for the neighborhood, both in its educational offerings and its physical space.

Read on for more details about the learning program and an introduction to our phenomenal new high school principal, Penny Panagiosoulis.

Construction on our state-of-the-art high school is progressing rapidly and we are on target for a July 1 completion. Our 3-minute video tour will give you a sense of the space and more detail about our thoughtfully designed classrooms, Research and Media Lab, Career Development Center, cafe, and regulation-sized gym (which converts into a 400-person theater).

Video link for School in the Square High School.

Designing a modern high school is an extraordinarily complex undertaking.

Our team is determined to offer our students an exceptional high school experience, one that meets their educational needs AND prepares them for college and career.

Panorea (Penny) Panagiosoulis, who has over 20 years of experience as a high school principal in New York City, is leading our efforts. Born in Guatemala and raised in Washington Heights (and a proud product of NYC public schools), Penny began her career as a bilingual math teacher before transitioning to administration.

Soliciting insights from parents and students has been a top priority since she joined the team in November, giving Penny nearly a year to plan for the opening. She and her team have met with all current S2 8th grade students and regularly convene our 8th grade parent advisory group to discuss myriad aspects of the school, from course offerings to uniforms to internship opportunities.

S2 High is built upon the strong foundation established in our other schools: Emphasizing relationships first, fostering trust and empathy, ensuring community safety, and supporting the entire family.

Our high school will offer what every student deserves but so rarely receives in New York City.

First and foremost, our students will engage in a rigorous course of study with core subjects offered all four years. Students will have access to two programs through which they can earn college credit: International Baccalaureate and COLLEGE NOW, which enables students to take college-level courses at S2 High or at CUNY campuses for free.

Other features include:

A STEAM-based focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)

Intensive Spanish instruction, explored via written and spoken language, literature, and culture with the opportunity to graduate with the New York State Seal of Biliteracy

Rich arts offerings, including visual arts, music, and theater

Technology-focused electives such as web design and computer coding

Engaging civics courses, with the opportunity to graduate with the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness

Extensive mental health and college counseling services, with advisors who are adept at supporting first-generation college students through the application and financial aid processes

Opportunities for experiential learning through school trips (nationally and internationally) for all four grades and internships for juniors and seniors

Competitive athletic teams

The final component — an enormously valuable one — is missing an essential element: YOU.

Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerfully positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. We'd like to provide a mentor to all students who express a desire to have one. If you're interested in possibly mentoring a high school student in the fall, please send an email to Stephanie Hinkaty at shinkaty@schoolinthesquare.org to express your interest.

(If you'd like to start volunteering now, we also have opportunities in both the elementary and middle schools — learn more here, then email Stephanie to discuss specifics.)

I hope reading about S2 High has sparked your interest and fills you with pride. I am sincere when I say we would not be where we are without the generous support of people like you. I can't wait for you to see the school in action and will be inviting you to a community reception in the fall. Stay tuned for details to come!

Thank you, as always, for your extraordinary commitment to our schools.

In partnership,

Evan Meyers

Founder and Executive Director

P.S. If you're in the area, I'd love to give you a personal tour of S2 High School (hard hat included!) — just reply to this email and we'll make a plan.