Mission:
A Committment to Excellence.
Frequently cited as the most renowned high school in America, The Bronx High School of Science attracts an intellectually gifted blend of culturally, ethnically and economically diverse students. Scienceites, as the school's students are known, are supported by an actively involved Parents' Association, Alumni Association and a core of master teachers who excel at their craft. Our students are proud of their school's alumni, who include: seven Nobel Prize winners, the first African-American neurosurgeon, countless authors, lawyers, physicians, educators, artists, entertainers and leaders in business and government.
Founded in 1938, The Bronx High School of Science has earned a worldwide reputation as one of the finest public secondary schools in the country. Contrary to popular belief, we are not only a school that trains future scientists and mathematicians, but also a school in which the humanities flourish.
We are the ideal school for all who seek a rigorous college preparatory program and wish to learn in an environment committed to educational excellence.
History:
The Bronx High School of Science was founded in 1938 by resolution of the Department of Education of the City of New York with Dr. Morris Meister as the first principal of the school. The school was housed in a Gothic building located at Creston Avenue and 184th Street. The building, built in 1918 for Evander Childs High School, was previously occupied by Walton High School (1930) and by an annex of DeWitt Clinton High School (1935). Bronx Science started with 150 ninth grade students and 250 tenth grade students and the remaining facilities were used by DeWitt Clinton. As Bronx Science became larger, the Clinton contingent was gradually returned to its main building. During their joint occupation, which lasted for 2 years, the two schools had separate teaching staff and classes, but the same supervision and administration.
In 1946, as a result of the efforts of Dr. Meister, our faculty, and our Parents’ Association, the school became co-ed. From the very beginning a campaign for a new building was initiated by the Parents’ Association, and sparked by the tireless dedication of Dr. Meister. In February 1958, Dr. Morris Meister, after 20 years as the principal of the school, resigned to become the first president of the newly organized Bronx Community College. Dr. Alexander Taffel succeeded Dr. Meister as principal.
