H.S. 450 Adlai E. Stevenson High School
1980 Lafayette Avenue BRONX, NY 10473
Phone: (718) 918-2700 | Fax: (718) 792-7983 Principal: Mr. Gerald Martori
Parent Coordinator: Jane Baez (347) 563-4990

At a Glance
Grade levels: 9 to 12
Enrollment: 2929
Ethnicity %: 1 W 37 B 60 H 3 A
Attendance: 67%
Graduation rate: 40%
7-year graduation rate: 51.5%
College admissions: poor
Region 2
Neighborhood: Soundview
Admissions: Neighborhood school/selective program

What's special: Tiny pre-med science and math program, extensive performing arts
Downside: Security is a problem and school morale is low

During our two-hour visit to Adlai Stevenson High School, we were not allowed to visit classes, but we did see one young person led out of the school in handcuffs and three students, accompanied by their parents, request "safety transfers" to enroll at other schools. As we waited to speak to the administrator who gave us our tour, we overheard one child tell a counselor "I don't want to be here." The counselor replied "I don't want to be here either."

"School morale is low," an administrator acknowledged. "Discipline is an issue. Students come from junior high school with very, very poor skills." Teacher turnover is high. The school had 50 new teachers the fall we visited. Administrators complained that the school was crowded, with 500 students more than the previous year. These students, mostly kids from outside the neighborhood, had been assigned to Stevenson to make room for small alternative programs at other schools in the Bronx.

Stevenson does offer two bright spots. A "Gateway" program offers college-preparatory classes to students interested in careers in the sciences or engineering. About 15 teachers work with Gateway's 90 students, who must maintain an 80-85 average. These honors students travel to classes together, and their teachers meet together to plan lessons. "A lot of doors open for you because of the program," said a junior girl who was studying advanced placement calculus. She said she had a summer internship at SUNY Buffalo, thanks to the Gateway program. Another bright spot is the performing arts program, the largest in the Bronx, run by a dedicated senior assistant principal who clears her corridors of any students who loiter there. The 450 kids in this program may study drama, dance, and instrumental or vocal music.

* Since posting this review the school has come off of the failing SURR list. A positive sign. Students looking for an alternative to Stevenson may want to consider Bronx Guild High School, a new, small school housed in one wing of the Stevenson building. (Clara Hemphill & Jacquie Wayans, December 2002)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: thebxone,

Isn't it sad- not much has changed since I graduated in 1973. Wen't on to the Army and a great medical career. Now live in CA and only go back to NY to visit relatives or to Manhatten.


Just think how many kids are being ruined becausethey are subjected to this environment. Destroy all ghettos.

This is my old High School!

I graduated from AES in Jan 1973 and also live in CA. I was going to go back for the reunion this year but learned it was cancelled due to lack of response/interest; how sad...
LAst I heard they will be closing the school next year..can anyone confirm?

I have Super 8 Films I shot of the school in 1973, Yankeefan. Remember Mr. Silverbush? He's in them.

As far as a Reunion, come to think of it I used to get emails from them sometimes. The last email I got was from someone on the Reunion Committee telling me he saw me on Judge Maria Lopez.

A few months ago I went to a funeral for a student, and saw someone there I wasn't crazy about seeing. Although I missed the main gang because I got there late. Would've liked to see them.

went there 74-75 didnt graduate from there but had a great time at the hooky parties at jazzies house across the streetfrom stevenson. for those of you who knew him or of him!

You and I are classmates. Does the name Scott (The Moose) Lifshin ring a bell?

The person I knew in that building, his name was Brian Stewicki. It could be the same person. Let me know.