Location, Transportation, Zoning and Schedule

Location:
William H. Maxwell Vocational High School is located at 145 Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York between Glenmore and Liberty Avenues - just two blocks south of Atlantic Avenue.

Transportation:

Subways:
J to Alabama Avenue, 3 blocks south to Liberty and 2 blocks east to Pennsylvania.
C to Liberty Avenue

Buses:
B20, B83 to Liberty Avenue
B12 to Liberty and Pennsylvania
Q24 Atlantic Avenue and Pennsylvania (1 block south to Liberty)

Zoning:
No zoning restrictions. Open to all New York City residents.

School Schedule:
Multi session - 7:52 am to 2:22 pm or 3:11 pm (depending on student schedule).
Late day academy students - 11:57 am to 5:38 pm.

Number of students: 1450

Principal's Statement
Mr. Jocelyn Badette, Principal

History
William Henry Maxwell was born in Ireland in 1852. After many years of both informal and formal education, he saw his future in the United States, arriving here in 1874.

He worked as a reporter for the New York Tribune and New York Herald, being promoted to managing editor of the Brooklyn Times. He returned to his interest in education by writing a series of powerful articles on the needs and future of the public school system. He became a teacher in the Brooklyn school system and, in 1882, was appointed Associate Superintendent of Schools. Later, he was selected to act as Superintendent.

Few professional educators have been so frequently criticized for their strong stands in the name of better education and so consistently proven to be correct. As an innovator, William H. Maxwell was a staunch advocate of vocational education and the enrichment of the public school curriculum. His direction aided in the diversification of the educational ladder to permit kindergartens, summer schools, continuation schools and schools for atypical students. He helped organize the public high school system and conducted early experiments in intermediate schools. He fought for the professionalism of the teacher by being instrumental in the passage of a law, the first of its kind in the country, mandating higher educational preparation for all teachers in the city school system. He influenced the educational system further, by establishing the appointment and promotion of educators on a merit basis beyond the reach of politics. In 1905, William H. Maxwell was elected President of the National Education Association.

The courage and fierceness with which he fought for high educational standards, as well as vocational training within the public school system, has been an inspiration to all those interested in an effective quality education for all of our children.

William H. Maxwell Career and Technical Education High School was built in 1912 and originally was designated as an elementary school - PS 171. In 1950, the school was changed to a vocational high school and was named after William H. Maxwell

Philosophy
Since 1950, William H. Maxwell Vocational High School has been offering its students the "best of both worlds";
a full program of academic education as well as extensive career preparation. Our emphasis on vocational studies enables our students to leave fully prepared for meaningful careers in the work world.

Our smaller school setting enables our students to learn in an atmosphere of caring and nurturing and enables them to receive individualized attention. Our focus is on providing our students with extensive guidance services and support to ensure that our graduates become productive members of their families and communities.

Mission and Vision Statements

Mission Statement
Our mission is to educate and challenge our students and staff by nurturing and encouraging their growth, to ensure a positive impact upon home, school, and community.

Vision Statement
Our vision is to create an educational environment where comprehensive strategies promote growth, participation, and positive change in our school and our extended community.

We insist upon excellence and success for all. To reach this goal we embrace the Standards and prepare all students in academic and vocational classes alike for the Regents. We can do this for as a truly comprehensive vocational/academic high school at our core is the indisputable necessity of literacy for all. Reading and writing across the curriculum are essential. We also encourage and nurture the advances of technology, the examination of social studies, the study of science, math and the vocations. We strive to increase opportunities for self expression through the visual and performing arts, and physical education. Furthermore, we prepare all our students for the rest of their lives. All special needs are considered and valued as we face and cross into the new millennium and its challenges. Our staff is dedicated to realizing this by providing positive role models through professional behaviors and attitudes and a love of teaching, serving, and questioning.

Growth, positive interpersonal relations, humanity, the love of life-long learning are part of our vision. Prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically for today and the future, we all gain strength, success and deep satisfaction.