Erasmus Hall High School

Erasmus Hall High School is a public high school located in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It was founded in 1786 as Erasmus Hall Academy, making it one of the oldest public high schools in the United States, with notable alumni including Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, and Lainie Kazan. The school has a long history of academic excellence, with many graduates going on to attend prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University. Erasmus Hall High School has also been recognized for its strong programs in the arts, with many students participating in organizations such as the New York City Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera.

● History

The history of Erasmus Hall High School dates back to 1786, when it was founded as Erasmus Hall Academy by the Dutch Reformed Church. The school was named after Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch philosopher and theologian, and was originally located in a building on Church Avenue. Over the years, the school has undergone several transformations, including a merger with the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute in 1896. During World War I, the school played an important role in the war effort, with many students and faculty members participating in organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations. The school has also been associated with notable figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, who attended the school's commencement ceremony in 1905, and Eleanor Roosevelt, who visited the school in 1935.

● Campus

The campus of Erasmus Hall High School is located in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, near the intersection of Church Avenue and Nostrand Avenue. The school's building, which was designed by C.B.J. Snyder, features a mix of Gothic Revival and Art Deco architectural styles, with a large clock tower that is visible from throughout the neighborhood. The campus is also home to several athletic fields, including a track and field stadium and a soccer field, which are used by the school's teams, including the Erasmus Hall Dutchmen football team. The school is located near several other educational institutions, including Brooklyn College, Medgar Evers College, and the Kingsborough Community College.

● Academics

Erasmus Hall High School offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as English literature, calculus, and physics. The school is also home to several specialized programs, including a mathematics and science magnet program and a performing arts program, which are affiliated with organizations such as the Juilliard School and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Many students at the school also participate in programs such as the National Honor Society and the National Merit Scholarship Program, which are sponsored by organizations such as the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The school has also been recognized for its strong programs in foreign languages, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese, which are taught by faculty members who have studied at institutions such as the Sorbonne and Peking University.

● Notable_alumni

Erasmus Hall High School has a long list of notable alumni, including Barbra Streisand, who attended the school in the 1950s and went on to become a famous singer and actress, performing in films such as Funny Girl and A Star is Born. Other notable alumni include Neil Diamond, who attended the school in the 1950s and became a famous singer-songwriter, known for hits such as Solitary Man and Sweet Caroline; Lainie Kazan, who attended the school in the 1950s and became a famous actress, known for her roles in films such as My Favorite Year and Beaches; and Clive Davis, who attended the school in the 1940s and became a famous music executive, known for his work with artists such as Arista Records and J Records. The school has also been attended by notable figures such as Bobby Fischer, who attended the school in the 1950s and became a famous chess player, competing in tournaments such as the World Chess Championship; Mickey Spillane, who attended the school in the 1930s and became a famous writer, known for his Mike Hammer series; and Sheldon Silver, who attended the school in the 1950s and became a famous politician, serving as the Speaker of the New York State Assembly.

● Extracurricular_activities

Erasmus Hall High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams such as the Erasmus Hall Dutchmen football team, which competes in the Public Schools Athletic League against teams such as the Lincoln High School Railsplitters and the Boys and Girls High School Kangaroos. The school also has a strong music program, with several bands and orchestras that perform at events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tribeca Film Festival. Many students at the school also participate in clubs and organizations such as the Debate Team, which competes in tournaments such as the National Debate Tournament, and the Robotics Team, which competes in competitions such as the FIRST Robotics Competition. The school has also been associated with notable organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA, which have troops at the school. Category:High schools in New York City