Located in Rye Brook, Blind Brook High School is home to students in grades 9 through 12. It’s the only high school for the Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District.
BBHS is very popular with its students, allowing them to take numerous AP classes and receive a well-rounded education.
History
In 1973 Blind Brook opened its doors, with David Schein as the first principal. At the time, grades 1-7 were located in a mansion on the property and 8th grade was held in a building further up the road. The school began with just over a thousand students.
By the time 2005 arrived, the district had once again outgrown its high school and it was once again necessary to build on to this campus. A bond vote was conducted and it passed with a large majority. This gave the go ahead to begin construction on a new Middle School wing, the renovation of the Instructional Media Center (library), Middle and High school main offices, a 450 seat auditorium and more.
With the addition of this new wing the Middle School and High School share the King Street campus. This also includes the Athletic facilities, Monroe E. Haas Library, Instructional Media Center, and classrooms. The Middle School is currently led by Patricia Lambert, who after years in the high school has returned to her roots at the Middle School.
The current high school is the only high school in the Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District, serving grades 9-12. It is highly rated with its academic scores and is ranked 21st within New York State. The school offers a wide variety of Advanced Placement classes and has a high AP participation rate. The school’s overall score is above the national average.
In addition to their rigorous academic curriculum, Blind Brook offers many clubs and activities. There are over 40 student organizations, and the school is proud to have an active community of parents, teachers, alumni and volunteers. In addition, the school offers a wide range of sports, and has a strong tradition of competition.
In the past, there has been controversy regarding the grading of the school. The school’s administrators have made several changes, and the grading policy has been updated to include a more holistic approach to student learning. In addition, the school has a number of programs designed to help students with social and emotional needs.
Academics
The school offers instruction in music, English, history, foreign languages, math, science, art, social studies and health and physical education. Students can also choose to take part in various vocational courses, including carpentry, welding and building trades. In addition, the school has a comprehensive guidance program and provides counseling for its students.
The high school has a top-notch teaching staff that makes sure students receive the best possible education. The school’s curriculum includes a wide range of academic subjects, and many students enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) classes. These courses are comparable to first-year university courses, and can help students earn credit or exemptions when they go on to college. The school also has a number of clubs that promote social change. These include the chess club, which has students meet weekly to play chess, and JSA, which encourages discussion of political issues.
In addition to the regular classroom activities, Blind Brook has a strong commitment to community service. Students participate in projects that support local charities and organizations, such as the Westchester Food Bank. They also create handmade crafts to donate to White Plains Hospital. These projects help prepare students for the future, and can lead to scholarships.
Blind Brook has a high student-teacher ratio, and is in the top 5% of New York schools for math and reading proficiency. The school’s overall test scores are also higher than the state average.
The school’s campus is surrounded by woods and greenery, and has several outdoor spaces to enjoy. The main outdoor space is the BBHS courtyard, which has seating areas, game tables, a circle ring for storytelling and a belvedere with views of Long Island Sound. The courtyard also has a walking trail and two tennis courts.
The school has a diverse population, with 18% of students being minorities. This reflects the community’s rich cultural and racial diversity. Despite this, the school still has some racial disparities in terms of academic achievement. This gap has been largely caused by the lack of funding. It is important that schools focus on increasing the amount of resources they have available to their minority students.
Athletics
Blind Brook High School offers a wide variety of athletics for its students. The school also has several clubs that help the community. One such club is a literary magazine called Impulse, which has won several awards. The school also hosts a variety of events, including a senior painting competition called the Rock.
The school’s academics are very good, and students are generally well prepared for college after graduation. However, some students could use a little extra support before they leave the school and enter the real world. Students are given the option to take Advanced Placement classes, and the school’s AP participation rate is very high.
There are a number of clubs that help students learn about different cultures and languages. These clubs host bake sales, movie nights and other activities to help students learn about the world around them. Some of these include the Italian Club, Spanish Club, Latin Club and the World Languages Club.
In 2004, the school was outgrowing its facilities and officials had to decide whether or not to build another building. A bond vote was held, and the voters approved it. This allowed the school to expand once again, and a new building was opened in 2006.
The new building also housed new sports fields. A baseball field was built, along with a soccer/football field and a six-lane track. The school also remodeled its existing facilities. The track was rebuilt and resurfaced, and the baseball field was updated as well.
The current administration at the school is very stable, and most teachers have been at the school for a long time. The principal is Patricia Lambert, who has been at the school for a few years and was previously the middle school principal. She is joined by a team of assistant principals: Derek Schuelein, Todd Richard and Mark Greenwald. They have a strong focus on student achievement and the wellbeing of each child. In addition, the staff is very supportive of all their colleagues and works well together. This has created a very positive culture at the school, which helps all students thrive.
Activities
Students at Blind Brook High School have the opportunity to participate in many different activities. They can choose from a variety of clubs that promote social change, or study foreign languages through BBHS Italian Club, BBHS Spanish Club, and BBHS World Languages Club. Students who enjoy writing can participate in the student-run literary magazine, Impulse.
The school also has a drama club, a film club, and an art history club. BBHS students can also choose to take Advanced Placement courses. Students who complete AP coursework receive college credits. The school has a strong relationship with local universities.
In the 1990s, Blind Brook began to outgrow its space. In response, the community voted for a bond to expand the school, and construction on the new wing began in the fall of 1997. The new facility included a gym, a theater, classrooms, and a cafeteria.
A Fab Lab was added to the school in order to offer students hands-on learning experiences. This is a unique addition that allows students to work with 3-D printers, dedicated wood working rooms, and furniture that allows for flexible configurations. The lab also offers a CNC room and other tools to enable students to learn and collaborate.
Blind Brook High School is well-known for its academic achievement. It is ranked 21st in the state of New York for overall performance. Its students consistently perform in the top 5% of New York schools in math and reading. The school also has an exemplary graduation rate and a low student:teacher ratio.
The Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District has a very diverse population, and the school is a part of the National Blue Ribbon Program. Its teachers are highly qualified and dedicated to helping all students reach their full potential.
The school’s mascot is the Viking. Its colors are blue and white. The school has a strong tradition of excellence in the arts, sports, and other programs. Its students are highly engaged, and its faculty is dedicated to ensuring that every student succeeds. The school’s administration is also committed to supporting students and their families.
