College Readiness

Despite our students' previous academic history, we still believe they deserve an equal opportunity to better their lives by attending institutions of higher education. New Dawn II will develop a college readiness culture as evidenced by the following areas:​

• Students between 11-25 credits have the opportunity to take the PSAT exam.
• Students interested in attending college, especially 4-year institutions, are encouraged to take the SAT exam.
• Students have opportunities to attend college fairs and visit various NYC based colleges/universities.
• Admissions presentations from CUNY, SUNY, and private institutions are offered at the school.
• College Admissions and financial aid nights are offered for all students.
• Students receive individualized assistance for developing personal statement college essays.
• Students and parents receive individualized financial aid counseling regarding FAFSA, TAP, and federal loans

The College Now program is a city-wide collaborative program with the City University of New York (CUNY) and more than 350 New York City public high schools. New Dawn Charter High School II has partnered with the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to provide students a head start in college while also helping them improve their level of academic achievement in high school. The overall program aims to:

• Increase student preparation and access to college-level course work, professors, and campus life. College Now students visit different colleges and meet with various college representatives based on their interests.
• Place current New Dawn II students on a path that leads to free transferrable college credits from the Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Program Overview:

Getting Ready for College: Students accepted into the College Now program will take an introductory foundation course taught during the school day at New Dawn Charter High School II. These courses are inter-disciplinary seminars that begin to expose students to the rigors and challenges of a college career. Students will receive 1 high school elective credit upon completion of the course.

College Credit Course: Students who successfully complete the Foundation course may advance to the challenges of a college credit course at the Borough of Manhattan Community College pending approval from the New Dawn Charter High School administration. To take a college credit course student must maintain consistent attendance, good academic standing in their other classes, and mature behavior.

Eligibility:

Since our first year of operation will be comprised of freshman, and during the 2020-2021 school year freshman and sophomores, College Now will be offered potentially during the 2021-2022 school year and offered to students that demonstrate good academic and character standing. In order to enroll in the class, students must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Students must have at least 28 high school credits.
• Students must pass all their classes in the current semester, including advisory; all students must pass an advisory class to be eligible to admission into the College Now Program.