The History

 The Bronx High School of Science was founded in 1938 by resolution of the Department of Education of the City of New York. In 1946 the school became co-ed, as a result of the efforts of the first principal, Dr. Morris Meister, our faculty, and our Parents’ Association. In February 1958, Dr. Morris Meister, after 20 years as the principal, resigned to become the first president of the newly organized Bronx Community College.

The IMPACT

For more than 85 years, our alumni have shaped the world around us to an unprecedented degree.

Our alumni include nine Nobel prize winners, more than any other secondary education institution in the world and more than most countries; ten Pulitzer prize winners for journalism; three Turing Awards for computer science; and more than 200 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars (formerly known as Intel and Westinghouse semi-finalists). We represent achievement and leadership in virtually every field, including the first African-American neurosurgeon, a former Secretary of Defense, countless authors, lawyers, physicians, educators, artists, entertainers, philanthropists, and leaders in science, business, and government.

The students

DEMOGRAPHICS

Since the school’s inception in 1938, Bronx Science students have primarily been immigrants or children of immigrants. For many families newly arriving in New York, Bronx Science represents a vital educational opportunity and a first step on the ladder of the American Dream.

Today’s student body has much in common with our alumni from every era in the school’s history:

Geographically, our student body today is primarily from Queens, which is often the first home for many immigrant families in New York today. It is common for our students, whether they come from the Bronx or Brooklyn to have commutes of over an hour in each direction.

Like many families in public schools, our students represent a wide range of economic backgrounds:

• 44% of our students live below the poverty line in New York

• We believe this statistic is much higher, as many students qualify but don’t apply for aid, and others live right at the threshold

Alumni support is crucial to allow all students the opportunity to fully participate in a Bronx Science education.

STUDENT Accolades

Our students are consistently recognized locally, regionally and nationally for their achievements. Bronx Science students are represented in almost every major academic and extracurricular competition on the national level and excel at all pursuits.

Achievements - Academic Year 2023–2024

+ 3 Public School Athletic League (PSAL) champions:

Girls Volleyball, Boys Cross Country, and Girls Table Tennis

This is just a sampling of the accolades our students receive. We are so proud of all Bronx Science students for their effort, dedication and accomplishments.