The James Baldwin School
an Expeditionary Learning/CES School

Personalization, Community, Inclusion

Bayard Rustin Educational Complex
351 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011

Principal: Elijah Hawkes

Tel: 212 627 2812
Fax: 212 627 9803

Apply to enroll [School code M08R]
Apply for staff openings
Directions to our school

A small, community-minded college preparatory high school, The James Baldwin School proudly follows in the footsteps of our mentor school, Humanities Preparatory Academy. Opened in 2005, we have a similar model to Humanities Prep, based on the design principles of Expeditionary Learning and the Coalition of Essential Schools. We also take inspiration from renowned author James Baldwin, who believed that adults and young people together can “make America what America must become,” a more democratic and just society. At Baldwin, students participate widely in the democratic process, from classroom decision-making to discussions at our weekly whole-school Town Meetings.

Our mission is to offer a philosophical and practical education to all students by encouraging creativity and inquiry, habitual reading and productivity, self-reflection and meaningful thought.  Inquiry-based academics are a hallmark of our school, where courses delve into compelling topics that inspire intellectual curiosity, such as “Crime and Punishment” and “Math and Social Justice.”  As part of our commitment to diversity, we welcome students of all backgrounds and academic abilities, including transfer students. Tutoring and mentoring are available, and there is no tracking; each student has ample opportunity to learn and succeed. To ensure progress toward college, personalized advising begins in 9th grade, free SAT preparation classes are offered, and students may enroll in courses at local colleges.

For information on student enrollment or faculty/staff openings, contact Elijah Hawkes, principal and co-director.