Principal’s Message

Dear BHS Community,
 
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
 
It is with tremendous pride, gratitude, and excitement that I welcome both returning and new members of the Boerum Hill School for International Studies community. BHS has been my home for more than a decade, and it is an incredible honor to continue serving this community as Principal.
 
Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving BHS as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and now Principal. Throughout each role, one thing has remained constant: my unwavering belief in the extraordinary potential of every student who walks through our doors. BHS is more than the school where I work—it is a community that has shaped my career, strengthened my leadership, and continually reminds me why public education matters.
 
Excellence Without Screens
As an unscreened International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we proudly demonstrate that excellence is built through opportunity, high expectations, and exceptional teaching—not admissions screens. Every student who joins BHS has access to a rigorous, globally recognized education designed to prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.
 
Our school motto, “Every Child is Our Child,” reflects our commitment to ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and celebrated.
 
Celebrating Student Success
The accomplishments of our students continue to inspire us.
The Class of 2026 achieved an outstanding 95% graduation rate, reflecting the hard work of our students, families, teachers, and staff.
Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme continues to reach new heights. This year, 44% of students who completed all Diploma Programme requirements earned the prestigious IB Diploma—our highest diploma pass rate ever.
 
Even more exciting is the remarkable growth over the past four years:
  • 2023: 7%
  • 2024: 30%
  • 2025: 37%
  • 2026: 44%
These results are a testament to our students’ perseverance and to the unwavering commitment of our faculty to providing rigorous, inquiry-based instruction that prepares students for success beyond high school.
 
Looking Ahead: FutureReadyNYC
This year also marks an exciting milestone for BHS as we join FutureReadyNYC Cohort 5.
 
Through this initiative, BHS will launch a Business Management career pathway, providing students with authentic learning experiences connected to industry, higher education, and the workforce. Students will have opportunities to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, finance, marketing, and business operations while developing the durable skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.
 
FutureReadyNYC aligns perfectly with our mission of preparing globally minded graduates who are ready to lead, innovate, and contribute to their communities.
 
Our Commitment
At BHS, learning extends far beyond academics. Through the International Baccalaureate framework, students become inquisitive thinkers, compassionate leaders, skilled communicators, and principled citizens.
This year, we will continue strengthening instruction through explicit teaching, meaningful discourse, authentic learning experiences, and strong relationships. We remain committed to knowing each student deeply—their strengths, passions, identities, and aspirations—so that every learner experiences both challenge and success.
 
We also know that great schools are built through partnership. Our families, students, staff, alumni, and community organizations each play an essential role in creating a welcoming, joyful, and inclusive school community.
 
Welcome to Another Great Year
The future of BHS has never been brighter. From our growing International Baccalaureate outcomes and exceptional graduation rates to our exciting FutureReadyNYC Business Management pathway, we continue to prove what is possible when students are provided with opportunity, high expectations, and unwavering support.
 
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. I look forward to another year of learning, growth, and celebration as we continue to build a school where every student belongs, every voice matters, and every child is our child.
 
With gratitude,
Samantha Schmoeger
Principal
The Boerum Hill School for International Studies
International Baccalaureate World School
IB for All