Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein today helped break ground on a $34 million site in Washington Heights that will be the new home of the Gregorio Luperon High School for Science and Mathematics.  The new school will replace a converted warehouse 15 blocks away that now serves as the school’s home, and is part of the Department of Education’s $13.1 billion capital construction plan, the largest ever building plan for New York City schools.  The new school will offer students many high-quality resources that the current school lacks, including science labs, a technology lab, a gymnasium, and a soundproof music room.  In making the announcement, the Mayor and Chancellor were joined by Deputy Mayor of Education and Community Development, Dennis Walcott; Deputy Chancellor of Education, Kathleen Grimm; School Construction Authority President, Sharon Greenberger; and a host of elected officials and community residents who have supported plans for the new building which will serve approximately 500 students.

“All of our students are entitled to a quality education in schools that meet their needs.  We are happy to make good on our promise to the Washington Heights community in making the new Gregorio Luperon High School a reality,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “Luperon is a great success story, and there has been a large increase in graduation rates over the last three years.  Now with this new building that offers students so many great benefits, that success is going to grow exponentially.  I’d like to thank all those who have been involved in this effort and for helping us to create great schools where all students can succeed.”

“Luperon will now have a library and media center that allow students to explore new ideas, and a gym that will encourage basketball, volleyball, and baseball teams to grow and become competitive,” said Chancellor Klein.  “I'm thrilled that the students here with us today will have this beautiful new facility.  I look forward to coming back to see them excelling in their new building.”

Students and faculty can look forward to high-tech science labs that will hone their knowledge in science; a gym that will allow for a physical education program and the creation of sports teams; a library and media center that will encourage research and analysis; and a ventilation system that allows for temperature control.  Students with interests in music will be able to take advantage of soundproof music rooms, and those interested in the medical sciences will have access to a medical suite and technology lab.  The four-story building will be served by two elevators and will open in the fall of 2008.

Gregorio Luperon High School

Luperon High School was founded in 1992 as a transitional setting for newly arrived Spanish-speaking students, and became a diploma-granting four year high school in 2001.  It is named for Gregorio Luperon, a 19th century Dominican general who resisted Spanish colonizers.  The high school, which serves approximately 400 students in grades 10-12, has been located in its current leased space since 1994.  Ninety-seven percent of Luperon students are eligible for free lunch and 93% are English Language Learners.