Transfer Schools
As a result of the success we have had working with young people in need of a second chance to complete their education, we were asked to codify our best practices and help other like-minded agencies to open their own schools based on our model. These activities have allowed us to further enhance the outcomes for a larger population of overage and under-credited youth while increasing our impact on school reform in New York City and beyond.
Sharing our strategy to help young people get back on track
Replicating the Model
With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and encouragement from the NYC Department of Education (DOE), we replicated the model ourselves and in September 2006, our first replicated school, West Brooklyn Community High School, opened its doors. Our second replication, Bronx Community High School opened in September 2007.
We are also working as a school intermediary to help other NYC community-based organizations create schools adapted from our model. Our first third-party replication, North Queens Community High School opened in September 2007 in partnership with SCO Family of Services. A second school in partnership with the Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA) is on track to open in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn in September 2008.
In April 2007, we published a 100+ page manual, South Brooklyn Community High School, a Model Transfer School for Replication, codifying our best practices. Designed to be a “how to” manual for creating a Good Shepherd school, it is currently available in print, on CD, and electronically. The manual is free of charge and has already been widely disseminated to organizations in New York City and across the country who are interested in our work. To view or download a free copy of the manual please click here.
In addition, we operate a “Learning Lab” at SBCHS which is visited by approximately 20 people each month. These visits include an overview of the model, a student-led tour of the school and classroom visits followed by a debrief session. Many new transfer schools that are in development in NYC have sent their planning teams to participate.
- Sydney, teacher
"SBCHS feels like a job instead of a school. You have a lot of responsibilities; you know what is expected of you at all times...You feel mature."
- Steven, student
