At a Glance
A hands-on STEM-focused high school where families report exceptional trust and zero suspensions in one of Manhattan's most affluent, transit-rich neighborhoods
Families who value a school with exceptional family-teacher-principal trust relationships, those seeking a maker/STEM-focused curriculum in a hands-on environment, and parents comfortable with an urban neighborhood who prioritize strong communication and a positive school culture over raw test score rankings. The school's diverse student body and high-need population make it particularly well-suited for families who want socioeconomic and racial diversity — and who appreciate that their children will attend school alongside peers from a range of backgrounds, not just the affluent Tribeca residents who live nearby.
- Zero suspensions — dramatically below the already-low district average of 0.30%
- Near-unanimous parent trust: 97% trust in principal, 96% in teachers
- Teacher instruction quality rated 94% — significantly above the 90% district average
- Competitive admissions with 451 applicants for 85 seats (20% offer rate)
- 100/100 program richness score with AP, STEM, ELL, and world languages
- Unusually robust athletics program for a smaller high school (15+ sports)
- No academic test score data available this year, so proficiency comparisons to district averages are impossible
- 23% family survey response rate is relatively low — while the numbers are positive, they represent a subset of families
- The neighborhood's safety score (19.54) is among the lowest — this may reflect urban density and property crime rather than school climate, but families should be aware
- IEP student population (23%) is above typical, which may indicate strong support services but also varying student needs
- Tribeca is expensive — even with school options, families considering relocation will face significant housing costs
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 2
District 2 is one of Manhattan's most competitive school districts, home to highly sought-after schools like P.S. 290 (95/100), P.S. 77 Lower Lab (99/100), and several Success Academy charters (95-96/100). Urban Assembly Maker Academy operates in this environment as an unscreened option with strong demand. While direct academic comparison isn't possible due to missing test score data, the school's culture and climate metrics place it among the strongest in the district — particularly on trust and discipline. Its position as a 'maker' STEM school fills a niche between the district's screened successes and its charter competitors.
Test score data was not available for this school year, so direct academic performance comparisons cannot be made. However, the school's program offerings include AP Courses, ELL Support, STEM tracks, and World Languages, with a program richness score of 100/100 — indicating a comprehensive academic menu. The average class size of 25.8 matches the district average exactly, suggesting typical staffing levels for a District 2 high school.
This is where the school truly stands out. Parent satisfaction comes in at 93% (slightly above the district average of 92%), but the trust metrics are remarkable: parent-teacher trust at 96% and parent-principal trust at 97% — nearly off the charts. Teachers report instruction quality averaging 94%, well above the district average of 90%, and teacher-principal trust sits at 91%. Most notably, the school recorded zero suspensions in the most recent data — dramatically below the district average of 0.30%. The day-to-day feel appears to be one where families feel heard, teachers feel supported, and behavioral issues are managed through means other than exclusion.
The student body reflects a notably diverse community: 46% Hispanic, 32% Black, 11% White, 8% Asian, and 2% multi-racial, with a diversity index of 71% and 71% economic need index. Nearly a quarter (23%) of students have IEPs. This is striking because the surrounding neighborhood — Tribeca-Civic Center — is one of Manhattan's wealthiest areas, with a median household income of $214,860 and only 5.2% poverty rate. The school appears to serve a different population than the neighborhood's affluent residents, drawing students from across the district's high-need population while maintaining a meaningful mix of backgrounds.
Tribeca-Civic Center is a highly desirable Manhattan neighborhood characterized by waterfront access, historic architecture, and excellent transit. The area scores an exceptional 98.47 for transit access — among the highest in the city — making it easily commutable from across the boroughs. Education orientation scores 87.74, indicating a community that values schools. However, safety scores are notably low at 19.54, which parents should factor in. The neighborhood has 25% households with children and 80% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, suggesting an engaged, education-focused parent population.
Given the exceptional transit score, most families likely arrive via subway or bus rather than walking. The school is accessible from multiple Manhattan subway lines.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 117 families responded (23% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
Typical 9th grade schedules include Physics, Algebra or Geometry, US History, ELA, Health, Advisory, Physical Education, Foundations of Computer Science, and Foundations of Design. Priority given to students who are eligible for Free Lunch (based on family income) for up to 63% of seats.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Urban Assembly Maker Academy a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Urban Assembly Maker Academy yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Tribeca-Civic Center.
- What grades does Urban Assembly Maker Academy serve?
- Urban Assembly Maker Academy serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Urban Assembly Maker Academy?
- Urban Assembly Maker Academy uses the Educational Option (Ed-Opt) method, ranking applicants across performance levels so seats go to a mix of abilities.
- Is Urban Assembly Maker Academy public, charter, or private?
- Urban Assembly Maker Academy is a public school in NYC Community School District 2.
- What neighborhood is Urban Assembly Maker Academy in?
- Urban Assembly Maker Academy is in Tribeca-Civic Center, Manhattan.
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