At a Glance
A large Bronx high school where families feel heard but teachers struggle with instructional support
Families who value a large school with diverse program options, strong family involvement, and minimal discipline problems — and who can look past concerning teacher-reported instruction quality. Best for families who prioritize trust and community feel over measurable academic performance data, and who are comfortable navigating a neighborhood with significant safety and environmental health considerations. First-generation college-going families may find the health professions and early college programs particularly appealing.
- Three specialized programs with competitive admissions (Health Professions, Honors Early College, Newcomers' Global Community)
- Exceptional program richness score of 100/100 — students can access extensive arts, STEM, languages, and extracurriculars
- Very high family trust scores (96% parent-teacher trust, 96% parent-principal trust)
- Extremely low suspension rate (only 6 total) — minimal disciplinary intervention
- Strong family survey participation (702 responses, 60% rate) indicates active parent community
- Teacher-reported instruction quality (79%) is notably below the district average (91.4%) — a meaningful gap that parents should investigate
- PTA fundraising is extremely low at $2/student versus the district average of $74 — limited parent-committee resources for extras
- Only 37 teachers completed the survey, so the instructional quality concerns represent a small slice of staff opinion
- The neighborhood's safety score (9.2) is very low — families should visit the area at different times of day
- No academic proficiency data was provided, making it hard to assess actual student outcomes
- 85.8% economic need index means this serves a very high-need population — expectations should account for that context
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 10
Among peer schools in District 10, DeWitt Clinton is the only high school in this data set. The district includes several elementary and K-8 schools with quality ratings ranging from 62 to 92. Without comparative high school data, positioning is difficult, but the district's average overall rating of 1.77/4 suggests overall performance challenges across District 10 schools. The fact that Clinton's parent satisfaction (95%) exceeds the district average (94.2%) while teacher instruction quality falls well below (79% vs 91.4%) suggests a school where families feel supported but staff may be struggling with resources or support.
Test score data was not provided, making it difficult to assess academic performance relative to district benchmarks. The school offers AP courses and a Program richness score of 100/100 indicates extensive elective and specialized programming, but without proficiency data, the actual academic outcomes remain unclear.
The survey data reveals a striking split: families report very high trust in teachers (96%) and the principal (96%), with 95% overall satisfaction — slightly above the district average. Teachers, however, tell a different story. Only 79% rate instruction quality as good, compared to a district average of 91.4%. Teacher-principal trust sits at 86% and collegial trust at 87%, which are moderate but below what families report. With just 37 teacher survey responses versus 702 family responses, the teacher voice is thin but concerning. Discipline is minimal — only 6 suspensions total — suggesting a relatively calm campus.
The student body is predominantly Hispanic (56%) and Black (28%), reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. With a diversity index of 61% and an economic need index of 85.8%, this is a high-need population — 22% have IEPs. The neighborhood shows only 17.5% of adults with BA+ education, suggesting many first-generation college-going families. Homeownership is extremely low at 7%, meaning most families rent, and median household income is $44,438 — well below citywide norms.
Bedford Park is a family-dense neighborhood (80th percentile) with strong transit access (75.1) and stability (76.25), but parents should know safety scores are low (9.2 out of 100). The area has significant environmental health concerns — elevated lead rates (15.2%) and high asthma-related emergency visits (75.5 per 1,000). There are green spaces nearby, and the neighborhood's stability suggests long-term community ties.
Given the low safety score and moderate transit access, families likely rely on buses and the subway rather than walking alone, especially after dark. The area is residential but parents should factor commute time into their decision.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 702 families responded (60% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
This program offers a four year PLTW course sequence and is part of the AP + PLTW biomedical science pathway. Using same tools found in hospitals and labs, students work in teams and engage in hands-on activities. Courses offered: Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovations. Students may graduate with EMT Certification sponsored by Montefiore Hospital which can earn up $60K. Electives: Environmental Sustainability and Culinary arts.
This program is for students who have been in the country for less than three years and are English Language Learners. The curriculum is designed to develop the students' conversational language and writing skills using ESL strategies. After completing one full year of ELA instruction in the Newcomers'-Global Community, students will transition into one of our Pathway Majors.
This early college program offers honors-level core subjects, Advanced Placement classes, Syracuse University courses, Lehman College Now, and PLTW courses in Biomedical Science, Engineering, and Computer Science. Students maintain an 85% avg; scholarships are offered to participate pre-college programs at Ivy League Colleges. Free SAT Prep provided. Students take elective courses in Instrumental, Dance, Visual Arts & Graphic Design, Vocal, Culinary, and other vocational programs.
This program offers a four-year course sequence and is part of the AP + PLTW Engineering Pathway. Students train as engineers day one via the Vex Robotics platform; engaging in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices/robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. Required Courses: Intro to Engineering, Digital Electronics, Principles of Comp Sci, Engineering Design/Robotics Competition. Electives: Civil Engineering, and Aerospace.
This program offers a choice of 4 year course sequences in visual arts & graphic design, instrumental & music production, vocal, or dance. Students learn to play instruments in order to perform as part of various bands or choirs, developing art exhibits. Courses include: Intro to Modern Band, Music Production, Concert Band, Marching Band; Graffiti Art, Ceramics, Sculpture, Painting; Intro to Voice, Vocal Choir, Performance Choir.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is DeWitt Clinton High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for DeWitt Clinton High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Bedford Park.
- What grades does DeWitt Clinton High School serve?
- DeWitt Clinton High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into DeWitt Clinton High School?
- DeWitt Clinton High School is a screened school — it admits by application, weighing grades, attendance, and sometimes a test or interview.
- Is DeWitt Clinton High School public, charter, or private?
- DeWitt Clinton High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 10.
- What neighborhood is DeWitt Clinton High School in?
- DeWitt Clinton High School is in Bedford Park, Bronx.
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Economic Need & Special Populations
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Discipline
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