At a Glance
A career-focused high school with competitive technical programs and a nearly 80% high-need student body, serving a Staten Island neighborhood with strong transit access but limited family density
Families seeking a career-technical education pathway on Staten Island with screened admissions, strong parent-reported instruction quality, and a safe, structured environment. Best fits students interested in electrical engineering, software engineering, or business/enterprise tracks who don't mind competitive admissions and are comfortable with a school that draws from across the island rather than a neighborhood-only population. The high IEP population and zero-suspension environment may particularly appeal to families prioritizing inclusive support services.
- Zero suspensions in the most recent year — a remarkable discipline record for a high-need high school
- Three specialized CTE programs with competitive admissions (14-21% offer rates)
- 90/100 program richness score with extensive sports (21 teams) and 15+ extracurricular clubs
- 100% of parents rate teacher instruction quality as excellent
- 36% IEP population with integrated support services
- Academic proficiency data not available, making it difficult to assess college readiness outcomes
- Teacher trust scores are notably lower than parent trust scores — only 77% teacher-principal trust and 76% collegial trust
- PTA fundraising is extremely low ($1,859 total, $2 per student) compared to district average of $141 per student
- Family survey response rate is low (19%), raising questions about how representative parent satisfaction data is
- Small teacher sample size (21 responses) means survey results for staff should be interpreted cautiously
- The screened admissions process means not all students in the geographic area can access this school
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 31
As the only career and technical education high school in District 31, McKee fills a distinct role among Staten Island schools — most peer schools in the district are elementary and middle schools (P.S. 35, P.S. 5, P.S. 8, P.S. 3, P.S. 23), making direct comparison difficult. The school's program richness (90/100) and zero-suspension record position it as a strong option for families seeking structured career pathways, though the lack of academic test data limits a full quality assessment.
Academic performance data is not available for this school in the provided dataset, preventing a direct comparison to the district averages of 61% in ELA and Math. However, the school offers AP Courses and maintains a strong program portfolio including STEM pathways and college-prep coursework alongside career technical education. The 36% IEP student population is notably higher than many schools, suggesting robust special education services are integrated into the academic program.
The survey data reveals a stark contrast between family and teacher perceptions of the school culture. Parents are highly satisfied (92%) with strong trust in both teachers (96%) and the principal (97%), and rate instruction quality at a perfect 100%. Teachers, however, show notably lower trust in leadership — 77% for teacher-principal trust and 76% for collegial trust among the small number of respondents (21 teachers). This suggests that while families experience a positive school environment, there may be underlying professional tensions or communication gaps that teachers perceive differently. The school recorded zero suspensions last year, a significant achievement compared to the district average suspension rate.
The student body is predominantly Hispanic (52%) and Black (27%), with smaller populations of White (16%) and Asian (3%) students, yielding a diversity index of 65%. Nearly 77% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a high-need population. This demographic profile differs notably from the neighborhood itself, where the population is older (only 13% households with children) and more affluent than the student body — suggesting the school draws students from across Staten Island rather than primarily from its immediate surroundings.
The St. George-New Brighton area offers strong transit connectivity (85th percentile) and neighborhood stability (80th percentile), but registers low family density (25th percentile) and only moderate education orientation (47th percentile). Safety scores are lower (36th percentile), with elevated rates of asthma-related emergency visits and lead exposure concerns. The median home value of $556,676 reflects a relatively affordable Staten Island market compared to other boroughs, and homeownership rates are moderate at 35%.
Families typically commute to this school by car or public transit, as the neighborhood has limited walkability from residential areas and lower family density means fewer students live within walking distance.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 112 families responded (19% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
This course proceeds from the wiring of simple and low voltage circuits including signal systems security alarms, computer-controlled motors operations & robotics to residential electrical systems installation, circuit design & installation of various wiring methods: armored cable & electrical metallic tubing in the residential sector culminating in commercial wiring, motor control circuit design/installation, & solar energy. Students are prepared for college and industry based positions.
Software Engineering (SEP) gives students training and experience in coding. The core topics are Python, Scratch, HTML, CSS, processing & JAVA. Additional programming electronics and robotics skills are learned with Arduino, & LEGO robotics. Within robotics, students learn LEGO Mindstorms, EV3, & digital fabrication. Within 3-D printing using Makerbot, students learn Flash, Animation, and Action Script. Students are prepared for college and industry based positions.
Virtual Enterprise offers students a competitive edge through project based collaborative learning and the development of 21st century skills in entrepreneurship and digital marketing strategies. Students engage in an in-school, live, global business simulation sharpening skill-sets and knowledge base in problem solving, communication, personal finance, and technology. Students will be certified in Social Media Marketing. Students are prepared for college and industry based positions.
Graphic Design prepares students for art and media design careers using digital technology. Students will use the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro) and Web Design. Students will have the opportunity to take multiple certifications given by the design industry leading software provider. Students participate in internships, advanced study, and work in the field of graphic design. Students are prepared for college and industry based positions.
In Architectural Drafting students advance from technical drawing to visualizing in 3 dimensions, to expanding their technical imagination, & the language of industry. Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), board drafting, and 3D solid modeling are integral in understanding engineering, construction & manufacturing processes. Students use the latest industrial software (AutoCad and Revit). Students receive a technical endorsement and are prepared for college and industry based positions.
NYS & NATEF approved Automotive Technology program uses the NATEF General Service Technician Program curriculum. NATEF sets national standards for instruction, tasks, tools, equipment, hours & instructor qualifications. Topics include electronic systems ABS (braking), air bag, fuel injection and sensor theory plus analysis and testing of related on-board computer functions, steering/suspension, and brake systems. The instructors for the program are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
Carpentry and Building Trades leads to an industry recognized endorsement in construction and OSHA certification. Students are immersed in residential and commercial building designs. Students develop their capacity with all tools used in the construction industry and computer aided inputs such as the Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine. Eligible students enter a pre-apprenticeship New York Labor union program during senior year, which may lead to a full time apprenticeship after graduation.
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 Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in St. George-New Brighton.
- What grades does Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School serve?
- Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School?
- Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School is a screened school — it admits by application, weighing grades, attendance, and sometimes a test or interview.
- Is Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School public, charter, or private?
- Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 31.
- What neighborhood is Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School in?
- Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education High School is in St. George-New Brighton, Staten Island.
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