Stuyvesant High School

This is a wonderful school, my daughter really liked it, I went to the schools many times, the president was very nice to meet the parent if he is not busy, lots of out of school activities from all areas. it is hard to get in, lots of kids travel from different zones.
—Submitted by a parent

Stuyvesant has been one of the best high schools in the country for many decades. More Nobel Prize winners have graduated from here than from all but a few colleges. After graduating I went to Cornell and Columbia; Stuyvesant was more intellectually challenging than either university. Every student here would likely have been at or near the top of the class at their local high school; here most will be average or below. If you view these facts as an opportunity to grow with the best and test your tue limits, welcome. If this doesn't appeal to you, that's fine; you may also reach your potential elsewhere. You just may have to do it more on your own, with less support from your school community.

When I was in 8th grade last year, my heart was completely set on Stuy, and my mother told me, if you're not willing to do well in school, there's no point. And there really isn't: this school is meant only for people who have the proper work ethic and are actually willing to put their heart and soul into their work. But I guess that's a good thing, because then you're surrounded by all these people who are so hard working and they've got their mind set on such a fixed goal, you've gotta admire their determination. That kind of perseverance is so amazing and at Stuy, even if you don't want to, you're forced to try your best. This school is simply amazing!
—Submitted by a student

As a parent of a Senior student, I find the lack of commitment from the teachers at Stuy extremely disappointing. The teachers had the audacity to deny a student a teachers recommendation. I am hoping and praying my child gets into a college of her choice ,as she was already denied the ED opportunity, thanks to the inability to get a 2 nd teachers rec.And to make matters worse, when I reached out to the parent teacher coordinator for help, it made matters even worse.Now my child is upset that I reached out to her school for help and fears retaliation.A word of advice to other HS Students parents- Do your own preparation to get your child into college. Don't expect a miracle from the staff and or Administration.They have 3 guidance counselors for 843 students. What can you expect from these so called guidance counselors when they are themselves sinking?I so want this school year to be over and see my child back to the land of norm and decency and courtesy, back to being a regular teenager, not looking like the world is weighing her down.
—Submitted by a parent

Stuyvesnt High School is a well-rounded and competitive public school that prepares students for their next journey to higher education.
—Submitted by a parent

What I've learned from my experience is that Stuyvesant isn't for everyone. On paper, it sounds amazing, but the experience can really make or break you. Some kids are tough, are great at studying until 4:00am every day. For some, it's a great school. It's got a lot to offer and and is amazing academically. I feel that students don't get to have a good high school experience going here. If cramming is your thing, than Stuy is the place for you, it will not let you rest or get a minute of free time. You'll get into a great college and learn tons. Personally, I think that Bronx High School of Science is a better all around option, astounding academics, sports, opportunities, community and will lead to a better high school experience. Stuyvesant is a great, great high school, but if you don't know what to expect, you'll be surprised.

We heard warnings from other parents whose kids had terrible experiences at Stuy, but we didn't listen and thought our son would do just fine. Sadly, he had a terrible four years and I wish we'd listened more carefully to what those other parents told us. Stuy is a brutal factory school. If your child is a superstar with a thick skin and tons of self-confidence, she'll probably be fine and go to Harvard. If your child has moments of insecurity or is not prepared to study 12 hours per day, you may well have problems coming your way. And don't expect the administration to listen when you wonder why your child is extremely stressed and depressed. They think that's normal for teenagers because that's how the majority of their students are. I know I sound bitter, but you can't truly believe it until it happens to you. No wonder stress and depression are constant topics for the PTA. If you have the opportunity, make another choice. Your child will thank you
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. The Principal, the parent coordinator, the Assistant Principals and teachers are the best in the city and thus in the country and furthermore in the world. I am so happy that my daughter has achieved to be there and further achieved to be at the top 2-3% of her class.
—Submitted by a parent

Stuyvesant High School is one example that provides superior education. The benefit of having a magnet school in a school district enriches communities. I firmly believe that Stuyvesant High School has given intellectually gifted children the opportunity to succeed and thrive in this competitive environment.
—Submitted by a teacher

Stuyvesant was easily the best thing that ever happened to me. I cannot thank my parents enough for the opportunity, since I got to meet such a diverse set of people- that doesn't ring true on the surface given the demographic breakdown- but hopefully we're interacting with different groups of people and being exposed to different mindsets, backgrounds, and lifestyles- the true kernel of diversity. Definitely try to go here- I met some very passionate, well-read teachers here who inspired me when they found a strength, and helped me with my weaknesses. And for the size of the student body, I found a surprising deal of close-knit camaraderie. Fantastic. And now in college, which is completely different, I'm happy I chose a public magnet in the city as opposed to a private school which also provides great education but nurtures the kind of environment I'm enjoying in college now regardless. It's definitely distinctive- don't miss out. - alumnus

This is the best public school in New York City. However, the lack of diversity calls to question whether social interaction among people wit different backgrounds is critical to education.

One of my children graduated from Stuyvesant High School, another one is in his freshmen year now. Stuyvesant High School is simply the best public school in the city for those who are foremost interested in great education.
—Submitted by a parent

DO NOT I repeat DO NOT go here or send your kids here unless they are legitimately smart. They are just going to get lost in a sea of above average kids. A few exceptional students will shine and move on the Ivy League schools but you are screwing yourself socially by going here. Your teenage years are very important and there are other schools where you will have room to develop socially in a normal manner while also challenging yourself educationally. Every good school has some great teachers, half of Stuy's teachers are regular teachers, nothing really special. Save yourself the long commute and stress...unless a "prestigious" name on your diploma is the meaning you look for in life
—Submitted by a student

The school has the most-talented students

Teachers and students are great. It's a school for people who loves to learn and be challenged.
—Submitted by a parent

Stuyvesant has a great faculty well-balanced between the liberal arts and the sciences and very skilled at evoking constant student participation in discussion of studied topics.
—Submitted by a parent

Smart, sweet, lively kids, a dynamic principal and interested, dedicated parents. Despite budget problems the school does a lot to serve the needs of its kids.
—Submitted by a parent

The school offers a great deal of science courses, variety of clubs and teams for students to participate. The quality of teachers are exceptional. An excellent public school, the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Ambitious, intelligent students from all over New York create a stimulating atmosphere that is a lot like the best colleges.
—Submitted by a parent

highly motivated group of students with highly qualified teachers.
—Submitted by a parent