Testimonials
On 10/23/18, President Obama’s former secretary of education and current President & CEO of The Education Trust, John King, and the Eskolta Board of Trustees came to visit Murray Hill Academy to highlight the incredible work that Murray Hill Academy and Eskolta have done together. The students of Murray Hill Academy took Mr. King for a tour, followed by a Q&A session. Mr. King also opened up a discussion to the teachers of Murray Hill Academy after visiting several classrooms. Mr. King, who was honored at Eskolta’s Change Maker’s Reception that same night, shared with the room his story of why education was so important to him and said, “I’m the first US Secretary of Education that has been kicked out of high school. And I sincerely hope that I am not the last- because of the people who gave me a second chance.” He then went on to describe what he saw during his visit to Murray Hill Academy:
““It is life-saving work. It is the difference for young people between a life of possibility and a life of despair. And part of what I saw today at Murray Hill are all the dimensions it takes to make that happen- kids talked about the relationships they have with their teachers. First and foremost, the power of those relationships, the knowledge that there is somebody that cares about them and is willing to invest in them. Kids talked about how good their classes are. That’s also what school is about…is school interesting? Is it engaging? Is it compelling? Kids told me about role plays they did in a class, debates they did in class, projects they did in class. That’s what we have to do to ensure the success of our kids- find the thing they’re passionate about, what they’re inspired about, and feed that passion. I also heard today about the care that staff take to make sure that they’re intervening with kids who are struggling- the time they take to look at data, attendance, to talk about each and every student to figure out about who is struggling, who’s getting off track, who needs more support, who needs interventions? We know that makes a difference. We know all across the country that in schools where that’s happening that kids are more likely to be successful. At Murray Hill, teachers are collaborating- they’re doing things like Japanese lesson study. They’re designing lessons together, observing them together, breaking down those lessons, discussing them, talking about what landed well with students and what didn’t, and making them better. And they talked about that not only as something that makes a difference for students, but something that makes a difference for them- something that makes them feel a part of a community of peers, constantly polishing the stone of those lessons. THAT IS POWERFUL WORK. I AM INSPIRED BY THAT WORK.” ”
What I saw at MHA is "life saving work"
What I saw at MHA is "life saving work"
“My 4 years at Murray Hill Academy have shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up the youngest and feeling like the only child made it hard for me to make friends and even socialize, but that was not the case at MHA. It took a while for me to get settled in, but I was able to make connections with students, staff and even people outside of the Department Of Education. I was even able to get a jump start on what I wanted to do in the future and the multiple career paths I wanted to take. I now am a Cyber Security Engineer for NYC learning End Point Security & Vulnerability Management and hope to spread my knowledge to people of all ages across the world and let them know that there is always a second chance. No matter how bad things get, you can always make it better. It doesn’t just have to be you—there are people out there who can help mold you into what you want to be or at least just give you that push. You may get discouraged or go off course, but that small push can make a BIG impact on your life and get you back on course. I am so glad to have put this High School on my list coming from 8th grade. I’ve made more than just friends at Murray Hill Academy, I have a second family from home and I will never forget that.”
-Jorell Hines, Class of 2022
MHA Graduate, Jorell Hines, now working as NYC’s Cyber Security Engineer (pictured next to NYCDOE Chancellor)
“MHA has been the best decision we made when it comes to choosing a high school for our son. The teachers, administrators and staff are incredibly attentive and truly care for your child. They work hard as a team to make sure your child succeeds.”
- Valerie, Parent, Class of 2025
"MHA has been the best decision we made"
"MHA has been the best decision we made"
MHA has been a great place for my daughter. I found the school staff are very professional and supportive. Especially the Assistant Principal Mr. Chu is amazing throughout the year. He provided timely communication and responded to all inquiries. I am very happy that my daughter attended MHA and she speaks highly about the school.
-Zahidur Rahaman, Parent
“Excellent staff and dedicated teachers, I feel they really care about their students' success. Thank you MHA!”
- Ana, Parent, Class of 2025
“A good thing about the school is how helpful and willing the teachers are. They really take their time to explain things and make sure that you understand the task at hand. They provide tremendous support and are a positive influence on the children.” - Student, Class ‘24
"Simply the best."
"Simply the best."
“The teachers are just amazing. My son Daniel Dyson is a graduate of class 2023 and going into the college of his choice because of the way the teachers take each student one by one and give them the outstanding support thought-out each school year. The teachers provide the key to success to help build all students’ confidence to the future and to learn how to stay focused on the right track.Murray Hill Academy is a great high school in academics, athletics, and facilities. They go on some great educational school trips year round teaching all students real time world history. My son Daniel Dyson is the happiest young man ever because of the love and support he has gotten from his classmates and teachers- everyone. They became my son’s second family forever .I wish everyone at Murray Hill Academy much success. You’re simply the best. Better than all the rest. Thank You!
-Julius Dyson, Parent, Class of 2023
"My son is the happiest young man ever because of the love and support he has gotten"
"My son is the happiest young man ever because of the love and support he has gotten"
“I love MHA because how close everyone is with each other. Since it’s a small school, everyone knows each other and over time, you create a really special bond with them…and not just the students, the teachers and staff are very cool. You will love all the teachers at this school. They’re very supportive, understanding, and just chill. If you decide to come to MHA you wont regret it”
-Ahanaf, Student, Class of 2026
"I love MHA"
"I love MHA"
“MHA is a good school where students feel welcome, respectful and valuable. Teachers are great. They engage with the students helping them in whatever they need.”
-Parent, Class of 2023
“Murray Hill Academy provides excellent quality rigorous education in a supremely supportive manner.”
- Mr. Gordon, Social Worker at MHA since 2010
“A good thing about the school is how helpful and willing the teachers are. They really take their time to explain things and make sure that you understand the task at hand. They provide tremendous support and are a positive influence on the children.”
-Student, Class of 2024
“MHA was the perfect place to grow as a student and transition from high school to college. Our supportive staff is there to guide you in your academic and personal growth journey. Being a past president of MHA, I really got to see all the work that gets put in to make sure your child can succeed. As long as your child wants to learn and grow sky isn’t even the limit at MHA ❤️”
-Natalia Carmona, Student and SGO President, Class of 2023
"...perfect place to grow..."
"...perfect place to grow..."
I’m not a senior but I heard that they help you find a college that suits you, colleges with many benefits and scholarships. MHA has Career Day which also helps you to find a career you will enjoy doing in life. There’s some careers I want to do that I learned from Career Day, but I’m still looking into it. For now I’m sticking with a paramedic or a flight attendant. What I love most about being in the MHA community is the trips. There are such amazing trips— day trips, and overnight trips. I went to my first overnight trip in this school. We went to a college overnight trip to Albany. We saw amazing colleges and I might want to go to that college as a result of this trip. We have trips almost every month and I love it.
-Serenity, Student, Class of 2025
“It’s well known that NYC Public schools are the most overcrowded and segregated in our nation. For those reasons, we decided our child will not attend public school until high school—because the teacher student ratio matters. Summer of 2019, I anxiously walked into the district office to apply for a NYC Public School ID for our child. When my time came, I shared my concerns and our son’s grades. The woman saw our son will be taking a high school science regents exam in 8th grade and recommended we include Murray Hill Academy on our list. We are grateful! On graduation day, I am going to miss the blanket of love they wrap around the children and also their families. Ancora Imparo!”
- Dr. Starita Ansari, Parent and Proud Tiger, Class of 2024
On graduation day, I am going to miss the blanket of love they wrap around the children and also their families.
On graduation day, I am going to miss the blanket of love they wrap around the children and also their families.
