Design Works High School
Design the future you want to see
Our Mission
Design Works High School students apply design thinking to solve complex problems and build a more equitable world. They collaborate, critique, defend, and revise throughout design challenges, graduating ready to pursue their passions in college, creative careers, and as social justice leaders.
Learning happens inside and outside of school through industry, community, and university partnerships, enabling students to access apprenticeships and college coursework. In our inclusive and responsive community, all students are known deeply and their voices are valued in making and re-making the school.
Through strong personal relationships and applied practice, students are empowered to design the future they want to see.
Our Program
Design Works High School students each deeply explore one realm of world building:
Art Equity
Students who join this pathway will study art, digital design & animation. They will have the opportunity to participate in college level courses (AP).
Tech Equity
Students who join this pathway will study software engineering & UX/UI design. They will have the opportunity to take the AP software engineering exam & obtain an industry standard certification.
Housing Equity
Students who join this pathway will study the architecture and urban planning in our communities. They will work with urban planners and community based organizations to understand housing needs. They will have the opportunity to earn college credit.
Our Community
Our Team
Our founding team of teachers and staff bring impressive experience from schools across New York City!
Principal
Corinth Hunter
Ms. Hunter is a 15 year NYC public school educator. Previously Ms. Hunter was co-founder of the Urban Assembly Gateway School for Technology, a small, public, unscreened technology-focused high school in Midtown, Manhattan.
Ms. Hunter is also an entrepreneur and educonsultant; she has supported countless non-profit organizations and small businesses in curriculum design. Ms Hunter is committed to promoting a pedagogy of dignity for all young people and enjoys connecting with educators who are guided by similar principles.
In the Press
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Contact Us
Get in touch by completing the below form or calling the school at 929-489-3880
Careers
As a growing school, we will need more amazing teachers and staff to join our team for the 2024 - 2025 school year.
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Interested? Email us at designworkshshiring@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't see your question? Email designworkshs@gmail.com!
Admissions
How do I attend an open house or school tour?
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Thank you for your interest in Design Works! We haven't yet scheduled our next open houses, so recommend joining our email list using this link: https://rb.gy/lztlm.
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What are DWHS’ admission requirements?
We are not a screened school, and students are admitted by the Department of Education's enrollment process. You can learn more about this at MySchools.nyc.
āCalendar
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Is there a calendar for Design Works events?ā
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We will be sharing more details on upcoming events for Design Works families and students in the fall! As a reminder, you can always see all New York City Department of Education schools' general calendar here. You can find the Design Works High School calendar here.
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Summer Opportunities and Preparation
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What should we be looking to purchase for freshman year?
In the Design Works High School Welcome Letter you can find the list of needs! Students may bring a laptop to and from school, but it is not required. We will provide necessary technology & other learning materials during the school day.
How do we sign up for a home visit, and why do we need one?
School staff spend a significant amount of time in the school building with students. That is to say, the school is our home! We want you to feel right at home as well :).
Before the school year begins, we would love to get to know you. We schedule home visits for no other reason than to begin establishing a relationship with you. Home visits are not interviews; you've already been accepted into the school! However, home visits have been statistically proven to improve student interactions and relationships with school staff, which typically translates to higher student performance. You might be interested to know that New Orleans is considering mandating home visits for all schools! Principal Hunter has been doing home visits for 11 years, and truly enjoys them.
You can let us know what month and time is convenient for you HERE and if there are any other questions, please do get in touch.
I have a student with a deep interest in art & design. Where is the list of summer/college credit programs at Pratt?
It's great that you're already thinking about this! Your child can sign up for Pratt's DICE program, or Pratt's Saturday Art School Program. These programs are offered yearly, so if your family is planning to go away this summer, your child can still join in one of the following years.
Academics
Will the Regents exams my student is taking in eighth grade “count” or make them eligible for higher-level coursework in ninth grade?
Yes, as long as you cross the “college ready” threshold (typically, this is 75 for ELA and 80 for Algebra). For example, if your student earns a 65 on their Algebra Regents, they will take ninth grade algebra because they are not yet "college ready" in this subject. If your student earned a 90 in their 8th grade Algebra Regents exam, they would take Geometry in ninth grade.
Can students choose their own classes?
For ninth grade, students will be assigned into their classes, and mostly take the same courses. Starting in tenth grade, they will have the opportunity to choose some classes based on their pathway and interest.
Will Design Works High School offer AP courses?
Yes, Design Works High School will offer AP courses for students to participate in and potentially earn college credit.
Students will also have the opportunity to earn college credit through College Now courses or Pratt's pre-college programming.
Extracurricular Activities
What after-school programs are being offered?
Students have many options for after-school programming! A few examples: in the 2023-2024 school year, we've had students complete a microinternship with an architecture firm; learn woodworking; and create sustainable fashion designs. Students also worked with BRIC Arts Media and the school's Design Team.
āAny student can start a club as long as they have 25 signatures supporting their effort!
What sports teams will the school have/connect students to?
This year, we will have Design Works' first sports teams!
Do keep in mind that if you are in AAU or another local league and hoping to stand out or earn a scholarship, we do recommend staying in AAU or your local league, as it is typically more competitive than PSAL.
Policies for Students
Can students leave school for lunch?
Students can, as a grade, be able to earn the privilege of going off-campus for lunch. If and when they do, they must:
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Wear something that clearly identifies them as a Design Works High School student (e.g., t-shirt, hat, lanyard)
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Be respectful to the community
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Go in groups; no one should be alone
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Is there a bathroom for LGBTQIA+ students?
We have designated a single-occupancy restroom as a private bathroom available to LGBTQIA+ students who need it. These students are discreetly given a key to ensure safe access.