Baldwin High School champions public education against charter schools

Baldwin High School has achieved remarkable milestones in recent years, maintaining a graduation rate consistently above 90%, with a peak of 99% in multiple years. The school has been recognized as one of the best high schools in New York State by U.S. News and World Report and has received the Champion of Change designation from the National School Boards Association for two of its programs.

The school boasts a robust dual enrollment program, with nearly half of its students participating in over 30 dual enrollment and 29 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. In 2024, Baldwin High School produced 240 AP Scholars, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The school has also been honored with multiple awards, including the AP School Honor Roll and the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award.

Baldwin High School's academic programs are complemented by partnerships with prestigious institutions such as NASA and Hofstra University, providing students with hands-on professional learning opportunities. The school’s curriculum includes civics and media literacy courses developed in collaboration with Stony Brook University, further enhancing its educational offerings.

Despite these successes, concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the impact of charter schools on public education funding. The district currently spends over $1 million on charter schools, which some argue diverts essential resources from public schools. The speaker emphasized that charter schools do not serve all students equitably, particularly those with disabilities or newly arrived immigrants, and called for a focus on strengthening public education instead.

The meeting concluded with a call to action against the establishment of new charter schools in nearby areas, asserting that public schools should remain the primary educational option for all students in Baldwin. The district aims to preserve its exceptional public school system and continue providing quality education for every child.