Overview

Beacon High School offers an inquiry-based program with technology and arts infused throughout the curriculum. We emphasize a challenging, well-rounded liberal arts education based on the principle of shared exploration and problem-solving. In assessments for graduation, students present performance-based projects to panels of teachers. Beacon offers extensive opportunities to participate in clubs, sports, community service, and international travel.

Diversity in Admissions (DIA): Priority to applicants eligible for free or reduced price lunch for 66% of seats

Performance

  • 98% of students graduate in four years
  • 83% of students enroll in college or career programs
  • 92% of students feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms, locker room, and cafeteria
  • 89% of students feel that this school offers a wide enough variety of programs, classes, and activities to keep them interested in school

See the School Quality Snapshot

Academics

  • Performance-Based Assessment Tasks (PBATs)

ADVANCED COURSES

Algebra II (Advanced Math), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language and Culture, AP Physics 1, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Calculus (Advanced Math), Chemistry (Advanced Science), Econ/Gov (College Course [Uncredited]), ELA (College Course [Uncredited]), Physics (Advanced Science), World Languages (Advanced World Languages)

DIPLOMA ENDORSEMENTS

NYS Seal of Biliteracy

Activities

Africana, Art Club, Asian Student Union, B'DAT Choir, B'DAT Freshman Project, B'DAT Mainstage Theatre, B'DAT Tech Teams,Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Beacon Beat (School Newspaper), Beacon Ink (School Magazine), Marine Biology Club, Mock Trial, Pan-Asian 'Anime' Club, Current Events, Debate Team, Dungeons and Dragons, Entrepreneurship Club, Environment Club, Film Club, French Club, Game Makers Club, Girl Up, Girls in Government, Girls Who Code, Integrate Beacon (desegregation & inclusion work), Jewish Student Alliance, Key Club, Korean and Chinese Language Culture Club, Latinx Student Union, Live Poets Society, Math Club, Medical Club, Model Congress, Photography, Podcast Club, Policy and Philosophical Journal, Project ABLE (raises funds to promote literacy and education in East Africa), SAT Math Prep, Spanish Club, Stock Market Club, Student Government, Students Demand Action for Gun Safety, Stylemakers Fashion Club, Sunshine Society (Wellness Club), The Moth (Storytelling Club), Upcycling Club (Recycling Art Club), Young Democrats

SCHOOL SPORTS

Climbing, Climbing, Dance, Dance, Step, Table Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee

PSAL SPORTS - GIRLS

Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Fencing, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball

PSAL SPORTS - BOYS

Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Soccer, Tennis

Accessibility

Other Features

  • Diversity in Admissions
Source: School/NYC Department of Education websites

Selective Program

1449
Student Enrollment
Grade Enrollment
9 343
10 363
11 361
12 368
Total Enrollment 1435

Source: 2023 - 24 Enrollment Database - Table: BEDS Day Enrollment

Average Class Size
Subject / Grade School City
Algebra I (Common Core) 30 18
ELA III (Common Core) 26 20
Geometry (Common Core) 31 22
Biology 27 21
Chemistry 30 24
Physics 25 25
U.S. History and Government (Framework) 26 21
World History and Geography (New Framework) 30 21

Source: 2023 - 24 Student and Educator Database - Table: Average Class Size

Student Demograhics
[{"label":"Black","value":"12","color":"rgb(51, 102, 204)"},{"label":"Hispanic","value":"31","color":"rgb(220,57,18)"},{"label":"Asian","value":"15","color":"rgb(255,153,0)"},{"label":"White","value":"35","color":"rgb(16,150,24)"},{"label":"Other","value":"7","color":"rgb(153,0,153)"}]
Student Characteristics
Category School City
Percent of economically disadvantaged students 51% 79%
Percent of migrant students 0% 0%
Percent of English language learners 0% 16%
Percent of students with disabilities 21% 23%
Percent of homeless students 3% 12%
Percent of students in foster care 0% 0%
Percent of students with a parent in the armed forces 0% 0%

Source: 2023 - 24 Student Enrollment - Table: Demographic Factors

Educator Characteristics
School State School Rating
Total number of teachers 96 215701
Percent of teachers with 4 or more years of experience 15% 19%
Percent of principals with 4 or more years of experience 50% 36%
Percent of teachers teaching in their field of certification 10% 9%

Source: 2023 - 24 Student and Educator Database - Tables: Staff

Source: 2023 - 24 Report Card Database: Tables - Tables: Teachers Teaching Out of Certification, Inexperienced Teachers and Principals

Attendance and Suspensions
School State School Rating
Attendance Rate 92% 90% 92
Suspension Rate 0% 3% 100

Source: 2023 - 24 Students and Educators Database - Tables: Attendance, Suspensions

The percent of students earning passing (65) or passing with distinction (85) scores on the following Regents Exams
Percent scoring at or above 65 Percent scoring at or above 85
Subject Total Tested School City School Rating
Regents Common Core English Language Art 348 100% 72% 88%

Source: 2023 - 24 School Report Card Database - Tables: Annual Regents Exams

High School Completion Rates
School State
Number of high school Graduates 358 171794
Percent of students who graduated 96% 86%
Percent of students who graduated with a local diploma 0% 2%
Percent who earned Regents Diploma 96% 51%
Percent with Regents diploma with advanced designation 0% 33%
Percent dropped out 1% 5%
Percent entered a GED program 0% 1%
Percent of student still enrolled at school 2% 8%
Percent of students who earned a non-diploma credential 0% 0%

Source: 2023 - 24 Graduation Rate Database - Table: Grad Rate And Outcomes 2024