Core Curriculum Overview

At the High School for Climate Justice, we provide a rigorous and culturally responsive academic curriculum in a supportive environment that elevates student voice and facilitates opportunities for students to grow and become agents of change in their communities.  

Each year, students engage in at least two Interdisciplinary Learning units to help make meaningful connections across the different disciplines and content areas. The goal of interdisciplinary learning is to allow students to explore the interconnectedness of the skills and concepts across their classes and demonstrate this learning in action-oriented assessments.

Examples include; in the Global II and Living Environment classes, a unit on the Environmental Impacts of the Industrial Revolution; In the 12th Grade ELA and Participation in Government classes, a unit around local issues/laws and their impact on communities; In the 9th Grade ELA, Climate Justice Seminar, Global I, and Spanish classes, a unit around justice and power structures.

Learning is enhanced when concepts taught in the classroom can be applied outside of the classroom. Partnerships with organizations and institutions that align with our curriculum are valued and encouraged. All students have multiple opportunities each year to leave campus during the day for one-off educational field trips or continued learning at partner sites such as Asphalt Green, Coney Island Creek, Randall’s Island or the Westmoreland Sanctuary. 

A designated Internship Coordinator cultivates opportunities for students that align to our mission and course offerings.

Students have the opportunity to earn the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness upon graduation