High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY

Don't believe the hype. It's a good school and will relly look good on your college aps and I really am overall satisifed that I sent my child there. Only problem is that not all the teachers are as helpful and engaged as some would have you believe. I would say about 10 - 15% of the teachers fall into this category. When viewing this school we were told about how there was tons of communication and that teachers would update the engrade grade reporting system on a daily basis. My experience has been that most emails to teachers go unanswered for days if not weeks (emails to administrative staff is often answered asap so there is that) and I've had some of my child's class grade go un-updated for weeks. It's incredibly frustrating some times. That said the majority fo the teachers do make themselves avialable but be forewarned that you and your child will have to do the majority of the heavy lifting. If you are not prepared to be a highly involved parent or have a child who is not driven to excel in school then I would recommend you look elsewhere. I will say that the most important thing to do as a parent is network with other parents so you can sidestep unresponsive teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

HSMSE is a great small school. It's focus is (surprise) math, science and engineering - so, don't go here if you don't enjoy those topics. History is pretty good for a science school; the quality of the English courses is good not great. The kids are smart, friendly and nice. Unlike other specialized HS, there is not a drug or a cheating culture. It's not very cliquish either. The teachers really know my child and are available for extra help when needed. There is great communication with the administration - the door is always open if a parent or student have an issue. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Tough curriculum, fine teachers who will get to know your kid. I am proud of our son and his development as a student at HSMSE. He and the kids there work very hard and give much in return. Win-win.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically superior to any other high school including the top schools here in NY. Small and friendly but still very challenging.
—Submitted by a parent

Great small school.. Everyone knows your name and you have plenty of friends to spare.. Great curriculum and great faculty who really really care
—Submitted by a student

My school has small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a real mix of students from all races and beliefs.
—Submitted by a teacher

Rigorous program in a small school environment. Only 450 students.
—Submitted by a parent

Great curriculum, great teachers, perfect school
—Submitted by a parent

HSMSE provides an ideal atmosphere for its students.
—Submitted by a student

HSMSE is the best school ever! I am so glad I was chosen to go here! To be welcomed into such a loving, warm, family learning environment is such a privilege. It may sound cliche, but it is so true. The teachers have come from all over, with first-hand experiences in the subjects they teach, rather than jus the textbook in their hands. The competitive atmosphere makes you push to do your best. One day there, and you will feel a part of the family. With open arms people are welcome into HSMSE!
—Submitted by a student

HSMSE is full of students an faculty who are from diverse backgrounds and very down to earth. As a student there, I feel like I encounter various personalities and personal styles. The academics of HSMSE seem aslmost flawless, especially seeing that our teachers try to avoid teaching towards any kinds of tests, but rather teach toward greater knowledge for their students.
—Submitted by a student

HSMSE offers an environment of brilliance, acceptance, and growth that is unique and invaluable.
—Submitted by a student

HSMSE is the only high school I know of the gives all students free reign and independence. Without this unique quality, this school would be no different from any normal city school. HSMSE is a cultural melting pot. No where else is there a greater diversity of students than here. The staff is eclectic and for the most part still act like they are still in high school giving the students a more inviting environment to spend 4 years of their life in.
—Submitted by a student

It's like Stuyvesant, or Bronx Science, on a much smaller scale. While we both have great academics, people @ Stuy & Bronx Science say that 'you're only a number'. Here, teacher and kids know you, and it is a great atmosphere, and learning environment
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school because of the atmosphere, because of the teachers and because of the opportunities it give us as students. There is virtually no popularity scale, no cliques, no hate, everybody is welcome everywhere by everyone else. All of our teachers are very relaxed with us and with how they teach and try to make sure we understand, which they can because of our small class, and all the teachers are open to be talked to before or after class. Also, being in a specialized high school and despite our lack of funding and supplies, we have the option (if we work for it) to take college classes in our years at the school. Personally, I worked hard and am a year and a half ahead in the math program, so I can take college classes in math both junior and senior years.
—Submitted by a student

Awesome teachers, college campus and college facilities, small class size, lots of friends. What else is there to say?
—Submitted by a student

All the people from my grade are amazing. We are all like a big happy family. The teachers are amazing and help full. They know your name and are always there to help before or after school. In class we learn a lot and get the attention we need. The overall environment of the school is great and the academics are well balanced. Also we have many opportunities that other schools do not get. Even though we are a pretty new school we already have a outstanding reputation and collage acceptance list.
—Submitted by a student

It is a new specialized high school with a very small teacher to student ratio so everyone knows everyone else, all the teachers are amazing and none of the students are lame.
—Submitted by a student

HSMSE is a place where there are no cliques. The diversity lies not only in statistics, but in actual, everyday interactions. The teachers are passionate about their subject matter. Teaching is a second career for many of the staff, so they are sure that this is what they want to do. They are very willing to talk beyond what they teach after class. Despite the name of the school, the humanities is held in high regard. The advanced classes helped immensely during my freshman year at MIT.

MSE is a small friendly school that provides students with the support they need to reach their goals.
—Submitted by a parent