Our School Culture

CSSJ Core Community Values

Respect for All: We respect and honor the cultures, backgrounds, values, and opinions of every community member.
Everyone has a Voice: We advocate for ourselves; we encourage all community members to do the same and actively listen when they do.
Social Justice: We embrace a climate of social activism and work to address issues that affect our lives and our community.
Supportive Community: We build positive relationships with each community member so that they feel that they belong, are respected, and can succeed.

Advisory (Family Group)

Advisory (Family Group) is a safe space that allows students to build meaningful relationships with their peers and advisor. It is a place where students feel they belong and can be successful. Every student at CSSJ belongs to an Advisory, a group of about 15 students and advisors who meet daily and stay together through graduation. Advisory provides social, emotional and academic development, and opportunities for important self- reflection.

Internships

CSSJ Upper Division students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a 60-hour paid internship with local businesses and organizations across the Bronx and Manhattan. These internships provide valuable exposure to professional environments while helping students build essential workplace skills. In addition, all interns participate in a weekly Internship Seminar, where they strengthen work-based competencies and develop financial literacy, laying the foundation for future success in college, careers and beyond.

Pathways Advising

At CSSJ, every student is paired with a dedicated college and career counselor who works with them throughout all four years of high school. This long-term, individualized support helps students confidently explore their interests, set meaningful goals, and plan for life after graduation. Through one-on-one advising sessions, students develop a personalized road map that reflects their academic, personal, and career aspirations. By the time they graduate, every CSSJ student has a clear, actionable postsecondary plan.

NY Edge

Our school partners with New York Edge to provide students with a wide range of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. Through this partnership, students can participate in academic support programs, sports, arts, leadership activities, and internships. New York Edge also helps support school initiatives like the school store and attendance programs, giving students practical experiences and incentives that foster responsibility, engagement, and personal growth.

More about CSSJ

Athletics

CSSJ offers a full slate of PSAL sports, including:

Girls Softball
Boys Baseball (2023 Class “A” PSAL Champions)
Girls & Boys Basketball
Boys Soccer
Co-Ed Stunt
Girls Track & Cross Country
Girls Volleyball
Co-Ed Fencing
Girls Flag Football

Extracurricular Programs

Elective and After School Programs Include:

Boxing
Bric Mural Art
Deloitte Academy
Dungeons and Dragons
E-Sports Club
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Guitar Club
International Trip
Open Doors Theater Program
Podcasting
Student Council
Yearbook Committee

What Students Say

94% I have the opportunity to work with adults at this school to make decisions and implement changes in important areas that impact my life. (e.g. instruction, safety, conflict resolution, etc.)
92% Adults at this school (including teachers, administrators, counselors and the principal) encourage me to continue my education after high school.

*Data as of 2024-25

Parents Agree

94% My child’s teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.
90% I see feedback from parents/guardians put into action at this school.

*Data as of 2024-25