New Haven Interdistrict Magnet Schools

Service, Activism and Social Justice
"Community Focused. Community Driven. Community Engaged."


175 Water Street, New Haven, CT 06511 MAP
203-946-7022

School Hours: 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Grades: 9th – 12th grade
Facilitator: Sheryl Hershonik
Enrollment: 350 students

Open House 2012

Saturday, January 21: 12-2pm (Snow Date: January 22)

Wednesday, January 25: 5-7pm (Snow Date: February 1)

Shadowing

Available by appointment

More Info

Call Paulette Jackson at (203) 946-7002, ext. 2106

HSC is proud to honor New Haven's Teacher of the Year 2009-2010: Cameo Thorne, English Language

Beginning with the class of 2016, HSC will begin our new Core- Focus Portfolio program.

We begin with the Core. For the first half of their time with us, students will focus on skill and content development. Students will demonstrate their Core knowledge by successfully completing tests, projects, and assignments in each class which our professional teachers have created to ensure that every student who finishes the Core has proven their proficiency with basic high school skills and knowledge.

After the Core, students move to their Focus. This focus is like a college major--students, parents, and staff will collaborate to design a program that addresses the individual needs and goals of each student as she or he prepares to leave high school behind and move into the world. Every student’s interests are different, and we work to create the right program for each individual student. Once again, Focus learning is shown through successfully completing tests, projects, and assignments, but this time, students will have input into the design of these assignments.

Both the Core and the Focus assignments come together in the final student Portfolio. This Portfolio will be the documented proof of each student’s learning in the high school experience, as students will present their work for review to parents, staff, and the community as a whole as the ultimate task before qualifying for graduation.

And, because we are High School in the Community, of course, the Community will play an integral part in the Core-Focus Portfolio. As always, we will use the community as audience, resource, and location for learning. In addition, as part of every Focus program, students will identify Community Learning Experiences. These may be college or online classes, summer enrichment programs, internships, or anything that takes learning out of our building and into the Community.

HSC students who complete the Core-Focus Portfolio program will High School in the Community Interdistrict Magnet 175 Water St. New Haven, CT 06511 9th to 12th Grade Preference: sibling master the core skills and knowledge of 21st century life, and will graduate having used that learning to start their venture out into the community in the direction they have chosen to pursue.

Additional School Features

• Teacher-run program with decisions made for each individual student by the adults working directly with those students
• Students and teachers are on a first name basis to foster mentoring relationships
• AP classes in English Literature, English Language, Calculus, Biology, Art, Government, Spanish
• Independent study at area colleges
• Hands-on and out-in-thecommunity classes, events, internships and projects
• Team-taught and multidisciplinary college-style classes
• 9th grade orientation at Camp Cedarcrest
• Competitive Mock Trial, Science Fair, Book Bowl, Engineering teams

HSC’s Education Partners

• Yale University
• Gateway Community College
• SCSU
• Quinnipiac University
• University of New Haven
• University of Connecticut
• Long Wharf Theatre
• Livable City Initiative
• Yale University Art Gallery
• Yale Center for British Art
• Project Pride
• Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program
• Comprehensive International Studies Program
• Amnesty International

What our students are saying...

"The most exciting experience I’ve had so far was the trip to Camp Cedarcrest. All the freshman and seniors got really close. What makes HSC a good school is that they work hard so that everyone knows each other and works together." - Marisa, 9th grade

"The most exciting experience I've had has been writing my short story English class. The school allows the student to work and learn in an environment that allows for independent, creative thinking that expresses who you are." - Raizine, Grade 12, East Haven

"I love HSC because it isn't competitive or pretentious and it give equal opportunities to everyone." - Doireann, Grade 12, New Haven

"I was allowed to take classes at ECA (Educational Center for the Arts) HSC has full support of the ECA program where I produced an entire Multi-media dance show.  There are some of the best and most personable teachers here at HSC." - Jack, Grade 12, Clinton

"The International Studies Program is really exciting.  It is really like a community. Like a home away from home with someone always there to encourage you and keep you motivated." - Yoshmien, Grade 12, Bridgeport