Syracuse STEAM High School to open in September; city to seek permanent abandonment of portion of South Warren Street

Syracuse City School District officials told the Syracuse City Council that the district plans to open the new STEAM High School in September with an initial cohort of 250 ninth-grade students, after New York State approved the school's career and technical education (CTE) pathways.

The announcement came during the council meeting as district and city staff described student enrollment, staffing, construction progress and a related proposal to permanently abandon a short segment of South Warren Street so the district can use it as a bus drop-off loop.

District officials said the STEAM school received New York State approval for all CTE pathways, allowing students who complete programs to earn credentials comparable to an advanced Regents diploma. Erin Noto, executive director of career and technical education for the Syracuse City School District, said, “all of the CTE pathways are approved by New York State, which is no, easy feat” and noted the approvals allow students to earn industry-related credentials and stackable college credits.

The district reported 400 applicants for the new school and plans to enroll 250 ninth-graders in September; 46 applicants are from outside the district. District staff said 90% of the staff have been hired and the school will offer seven CTE concentrations plus performing and visual arts. Officials said students in every pathway can earn 24 to 30 college credits and that labs were designed with input from industry partners and…