July 25, 2026 THE BRONX, NY This fall, the birthplace of hip-hop is launching a groundbreaking educational experiment designed to turn cultural heritage into academic excellence.

Located at 1600 Webster Ave. in the Claremont neighborhood, the newly approved Bronx School of Hip-Hop will welcome its inaugural ninth-grade class. Led by Founding Principal Jason Reyes, the school aims to prove that hip-hop culture is not merely an extracurricular interest, but a powerful, foundational vehicle for learning.

Culture as Curriculum: The Five Pillars

The school's pedagogical framework is built around the five foundational elements of hip-hop: DJing, MCing, graffiti, breaking, and knowledge of self. Rather than treating these elements as standalone arts electives, educators will integrate them directly into core academic subjects to meet and exceed New York State educational standards.

Core Academic Integration

• English Language Arts (MCing & Rhetoric): Students will analyze persuasive techniques, meter, and literary devices by pairing classical literature—such as William Shakespeare and Ralph Ellison—with the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Rakim.

• Mathematics & Technology (Beat Production): Complex concepts like ratios, proportions, fractions, and analytical modeling will be taught through audio engineering, tempo, and beat production.

• Physical Education & Visual Arts (Breaking & Graffiti): Dance and fine arts modules will center on breaking and graphic design, pairing physical discipline with artistic execution.

• Social Studies & Ethics (Knowledge of Self): Lessons will explore the socio-economic history of the Bronx, framing hip-hop's rise from local struggle to a global phenomenon as a primary case study in entrepreneurship, history, and resilience.

Inside the Facility: Built for Creation

Currently undergoing final renovations, the campus is designed to mirror a modern media and production hub alongside traditional classroom spaces.

Rooted in the Borough

For Principal Jason Reyes, the project is deeply personal. Raised in the NYCHA Sonia Sotomayor Houses in Soundview, Reyes began his teaching career in 2004 as a substitute math teacher at M.S. 129, eventually rising to become the school's principal in 2019.

"You're gonna know that you're in the Bronx School of Hip-Hop. When we talk about culturally relevant instruction, this is the epitome of that."

— Jason Reyes, Founding Principal

Reyes emphasizes that the school is not designed solely for aspiring performers. The curriculum is built to prepare students for high-demand careers across the broader entertainment and business landscape, including entertainment law, marketing, financial management, and content creation.

Enrollment and the Road Ahead

The school opens its doors this fall with an initial target of 115 to 120 ninth-grade students, with plans to add a grade level each year until reaching a full capacity of 400 to 450 students in grades 9–12.

Admissions are open to all New York City residents. As orientations and community events begin, school leaders are preparing to welcome a founding class that Reyes says will be making history from day one.

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