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 Dates & Times

Thursday, January 21, 2010: 6-8PM (Snow Date: Thursday, January 28) 

Saturday, February 6, 2010: 12-2PM (Snow Date: Sunday, February 7)

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

The small size of High School in the Community (HSC) allows teachers and staff to create academic, social and career experiences suited to the individual needs of each student.

HSC is a college preparatory school with 80 percent of its graduates going on to college. It seeks to develop students into critical thinkers, effective communicators, lifelong learners and responsible citizens by providing them with a challenging educational program which meets their intellectual, personal and social needs. Appreciation and tolerance of cultural diversity is stressed in all aspects of students’ academic lives.

HSC students are encouraged to be self sufficient and ethical through community service experiences. Seniors work as teaching assistants in the school and serve as mentors for the freshmen.

The establishment of collaborative and nurturing relationships between students and teachers is an essential feature of the school. The school promotes small group mentoring through its faculty advisor system. Faculty advisors work with guidance counselors to support students in choosing service opportunities, planning for careers and achieving academic goals.

HSC has been a magnet school since 1970. It has been designated “an exemplary educational institution” by the United States Department of Education.

Additional School Features

• College prep, honors and Advanced Placement classes
• Team-taught multidisciplinary classes
• Foreign travel opportunities
• Independent study opportunities at area colleges
• Career internships
• Multimedia research library; networked computers in every classroom; “SmartBoards”
• Choral group and jazz band
• Bike repair course
• Top rankings in state and district Book Bowl competitions, Science Fairs and Mock Trial
• Freshmen orientation at Camp Cedarcrest

HSC’s Education Partners

• Elm Shakespeare Company
• Gateway Community College
• Quinnipiac University
• Southern Connecticut State University
• University of Connecticut
• Yale University
• Long Wharf Theater
• Livable City Initiative
• Yale Center for British Art
• Project Pride
• LEAP (Leadership Education Athletics in Partnership)

What our students are saying...

"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