East High School (Rochester, New York)


East High School is a public high school serving the sixth through twelfth grade in Rochester, N.Y, and is part of the Rochester City School District, and in partnership with the University of Rochester as the school's Educational Partnership Organization. The school opened in 1902 on 410 Alexander St, and was designed by noted Rochester architect J. Foster Warner. The school was later moved in 1959 to its current location, 1801 East Main Street. Since 2002, changes have occurred, including the re-addition of a junior high and the splitting of the school into separate academies.

Partnership with the University of Rochester

In May 2014, the New York State Education Department granted the University of Rochester's request to take over management of East High School.
Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, the University will implement a plan in their efforts to "increase learning opportunities" for students.

Schools

East High currently contains two separate schools for their students, each with staggering start times. Their Lower School is for students in grades 6-8 and their Upper School is for students grades 9-12. There is a separate academy for their 9th grade students in the Upper School known as the Freshman Academy.

Lower School

The Lower School, formerly known as the Foundation Academy, is for students in grades 6-8. Their current principal is Tanya Wilson Thevanesan. In the Lower School, the students have their own place within the East High building, creating a small school atmosphere. The Lower School currently has around 160 students per grade level, small classes in core subjects, and a focus on college and career readiness and lifelong success.

Upper School

The Upper School is for students in grades 9-12. Their current principal is Marlene Blocker. The school offers a full range of classes leading up to the Regents diploma, including career and technical pathways as well as AP and early-college classes. Some of these career and technical pathways include Culinary Arts, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Teaching, Business, and Health Related Careers. In addition to all of this, every student in the Upper School will have access to the full range of BOCES programs.

Freshman Academy

The 9th graders in the Upper School have their own wing of the building, with extra support, extended time for math and literacy, and opportunities to complete four or more high school credits. The 9th graders also have their own lunch period, their own PE classes, their own period for Family Group, 4 counselors, 2 social workers, and alternative programs for scholars not on track after the 9th grade. The current director for the Freshman Academy is Alecia Zipp-McLaughlin

Performance

With the AP institute, the school has overcome many challenges. The school offers over 19 AP credit classes which some students partake in. The graduation rate of East High in 2009 was 39% and as of August 2019 was 70%

Student body/Demographics

African American: 50.8%
Hispanic: 35.4%
White: 8.1%
Not Specified: 4.9%
Two or more races: 0.4%
American Indian: 0.3%

86.3% of the students at East High School receive a free/reduced lunch rate.

Notable alumni

New campus