High School For Environmental Studies: Top Alternative Education in New York NY (2026 List)

About High School For Environmental Studies

High School For Environmental Studies is a public high school in New York, New York and is one of 533 high schools in the New York City Public Schools. The school has a student population of around 1,053 and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 14:1. High School For Environmental Studies has a curriculum focused on environmental science, urban ecology and sustainability. Students are given opportunities for fieldwork and research that provide hands-on experience connecting classroom studies with real-world issues. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at North Valley High School is 52%. The school serves a diverse population. 85% of the student population is 85% minority. 71% of students are economically disadvantaged. 86% read at grade level, 45% do math at grade level. Support college readiness with SAT and ACT preparation. High School For Environmental Studies is considered one of the premier schools for environmental education and student engagement, with areas of promise in literacy and access to advanced coursework, supported by strong partnerships and a collaborative school environment, and it is one of the best high school in New York.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 45%

Reading 86%

State average proficiency is 45% in Math and 86% in Reading.

76

Full-time Teachers

14 : 1

Student-Teacher Ratio

1053

Total Students

$82249

Avg. Teacher Salary

Student Demographics

White 15.1%

Asian 12.25%

Hispanic 56.03%

Black 13.3%

Two+ Races 2.09%

Native Am. 0.76%

White

15.1%

Asian

12.25%

Hispanic

56.03%

Black

13.3%

Two+ Races

2.09%

Native Am.

0.76%

Gender Distribution

Total Students: 1053

53.66%

565 Female

46.25%

487 Male

Student Population

1053 Students

With a student-teacher ratio of 14 : 1

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Students per Counselor

219 : 1

Student to counselor ratio

High School For Environmental Studies Contact Information

Address

444 W 56TH ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10019

View on Map

Phone

(212) 262-8113

Call Now

Website

http://www.envirostudies.org

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 8:20 AM to 2:40 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 8:05 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

As part of Earth Day 2026, the High School for Environmental Studies in New York City partnered with more than 20 groups including the Billion Oyster Project and NYC Parks to get students into the field for hands-on conservation work around the city. This year’s justice-focused curriculum is bringing in the school’s first student-run thrift shop to highlight sustainable fashion practices. Additionally, the school will also continue to offer extensive AP coursework and specialized electives such as hydroponics and food systems for the 2025-2026 school year.

FAQ

Q1. How does High School For Environmental Studies get students ready for success in the future?

Ans. Planning, skill-building, and guidance programs help students make the transition to college, vocational training, or a job.

Q2. Does High School For Environmental Studies make it easy for students to learn?

Ans. Yes, High School For Environmental Studies stresses inclusion, staff support, and learning together to help all students do well.

Q3. What does High School For Environmental Studies do to help students get ready for life after graduation?

Ans. College planning, mentoring, and skill-building programs help students move on to higher education, vocational paths, or jobs.

Q4. Do students get help with standardized tests?

Ans. Yes. The school has resources to help students get ready for the SAT and ACT tests.

Q5. Are students allowed to go to cultural and arts events?

Ans. Yes, High School For Environmental Studies encourages students to be creative by offering programs in music, theater, and the visual arts.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

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What Parents Say