Lehman College Department of
Middle and High School Education
Jane Addams Vocational High School
900 Tinton Avenue BRONX, NY 10456
Phone: (718) 292-4513 | Fax: (718) 292-1947
Principal: Ms. Ellen O'Grady
Parent Coordinator: Diosa Reyes (347) 563-4881
The teachers at Jane Addams expect their students to meet high academic standards while learning what they need to learn to earn a living. "We are here to prepare them for college first, then a trade," says principal Eileen Stark. While Jane Addams is a vocational school, most students go on to college and some are admitted to such selective schools as Duke University, Cornell and New York University. The cleanliness, quiet and lack of stragglers in hallways is impressive to visitors who have walked through other city high schools. Addams is known among parents as a safe place.
The school looks large but has a comfortable family feel, owing to the separate "houses" set up for each of the five majors: Court reporting; Travel and Tourism; Business; Nursing; and Cosmetology. Each house has its own dress code. Students begin vocational training in 10th grade and stick to their houses, thereby forming close bonds with peers and the staffers in their program. "We make contacts with kids that transcend the building," one assistant principal said. "They still call me up to say 'Happy Birthday' years later." Advanced college prep classes are available for those who have excelled. For those who need remedial help, the school offers Saturday classes from 9 a.m. to noon, and even supplies the Metro cards (and free breakfast) so that students can attend. Seniors are required to present a project to a panel of judges. By graduation, students have gained experience in their fields or enough preparation to take licensing exams -- or both.
Some of Addams' programs are much sought-after by Bronx students thirsty for a skill that can lead to gainful employment (cosmetology is particularly popular). Despite the popularity of its programs, however, the school isn't immune to the Department of Education policy that places a certain number of students at random at schools. One problem Addams faces is how to handle students who have been arbitrarily assigned to Addams and regard it with indifference or worse. "These are students who do not want to be here and their behavior reflects that," says the principal. Asked what she would change about her school, Stark replied: "I would like the ability to screen students, not based on academics but socially. We want to accept kids who really want to be here." (Jacquie Wayans, 2002)