New Schools in NYC: Cutting-Edge AI Learning and Enhanced Support Coming to Brooklyn and Beyond

May 6, 2025
Brooklyn NY New York City's education landscape is getting a significant boost with the upcoming launch of seven innovative public schools across the boroughs (excluding Manhattan). These new institutions are strategically designed to expand access to crucial resources like career and technical education and specialized support for students with dyslexia. Excitingly, one Brooklyn school is set to pioneer the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the learning experience, promising a transformative approach to education.

Top education officials emphasize that these new schools are a key component of a larger strategy to bring high-quality educational opportunities closer to families. "These are the school choices that our families deserve," affirmed Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos.

Brooklyn Leads the Way in AI-Powered Education

Among the most anticipated openings are two groundbreaking schools in Brooklyn. The Middle School of Innovation in Bensonhurst is generating buzz with its forward-thinking approach to education. Principal Eileen Herusso outlined the school's plans to leverage AI to personalize learning for students, provide valuable support for teachers, and cultivate responsible digital citizenship through the teaching of ethical AI use.

Furthermore, the Middle School of Innovation will integrate virtual reality (VR) across core subjects like math and science. This immersive technology will bring abstract concepts to life, engaging students through realistic, hands-on scenarios. Imagine students grappling with systems of equations by navigating a virtual airport to prevent two planes from colliding – a vivid and memorable learning experience!

Specialized Literacy Support Arrives in Central Brooklyn

Addressing the critical need for literacy support, the Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy in Crown Heights will offer a level of specialized services often found in private schools. Modeled after a successful Bronx initiative, this academy will initially serve 72 students in the second and third grades, with plans to expand through middle school.

Founding Principal Jason Borges, who previously spearheaded the Adams administration's literacy overhaul, emphasized the school's commitment to providing more focused attention on foundational skills. "When it comes to things like phonics, they’re going to get more time, more practice, more support in those areas," Borges explained.

Expanding Opportunities Across the Boroughs

Beyond Brooklyn, the new cohort of schools includes:

• Queens International High School (Queens): Dedicated to enrolling newly arrived immigrant students with limited English proficiency.
• Staten Island Rise Academy (Staten Island): The first District 75 school for students with significant challenges to open in Staten Island in over three decades.

• Bronx STEAM Center (Bronx): A collaborative center encompassing high schools from three different districts, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
• HBCU Early College Prep (Borough Not Specified): This highly sought-after school has already received over 1,000 applications for just 100 available seats in its inaugural year.
• Northwell School of Health Sciences (Borough Not Specified): Backed by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, this school will focus on preparing students for careers in the healthcare industry.

Strategic Growth Amidst Enrollment Challenges

The launch of these new schools comes at a time when New York City is navigating enrollment declines. However, education officials assert that this strategic expansion is precisely the right approach. First Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg explained, "Our new school strategy is designed to directly address that challenge. We can use the space in less responsive ways, and that’s going to make our enrollment issue worse." By creating compelling, specialized programs, the city aims to attract and retain students, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic public school system for years to come.

These seven new schools represent a significant investment in the future of New York City's students, offering innovative learning environments and crucial support systems that will undoubtedly empower the next generation.