Our Theme

New York the City parallels New York the Harbor. We are connected to each other by the nexus of the Atlantic Ocean, the Long Island Sound, the Hudson, Harlem, East, Raritan, Passaic, Bronx and Hackensack Rivers, and hundreds of smaller creeks, kills and streams. Each of these water bodies is rich and unique in its own right, but like New Yorkers, they mix and swirl and collectively form something greater: New York Harbor, with 260 species of fish is the richest water body in the North Atlantic, and undoubtedly the most resilient. It is also one of the most active ports in the world, and again like New Yorkers, the Harbor is indomitable; no amount of abuse can crush its vitality, no degree of neglect can dampen its spirit.

We are a New York City maritime public school. We believe that that the water surrounding the island of Manhattan and its boroughs is an underutilized resource for students and is the perfect environment for learning. Our school embraces four educational principles: 1) The marine world provides an ideal forum for an education based on excellence, discipline and interdependence 2) Hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a natural environment stimulates curiosity, critical thinking, and vision all of which lead to improved academic performance 3) All students have the desire and intellect to reach their highest academic standards when given the right opportunities and clear expectations 4) small schools allow students a larger stake in decision making, as well as increased personal attention, alternative assessments, and easier access to the staff. As a result, the New York Harbor School strives to create an environment more conducive to learning, graduation, and student success.

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