Newark Opens New Jersey’s First Architecture High School Through Pratt Institute Partnership

This fall, Newark Public Schools started a groundbreaking project. The district opened its first-ever architecture-focused high school. With 212 ninth-graders, the school marks a bold step into specialized education.

"The Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design represents the very best of what happens when vision, collaboration, and persistence come together," said Superintendent Roger León, per Patch.com. "This school transforms a place of healing into a place of building and learning, and it gives our students a pathway into industries that will shape the future of our city and our world."

Working with Pratt Institute, a leading art and design school, teachers built a unique program. Students study building basics: from drawing plans to fixing pipes. They learn about wiring, air systems, and space design in hands-on classes.

The school sits in an old hospital building. Its striking glass stairwell stretches five stories high, giving students clear views of Newark's historic Ironbound area. In their new home, students have started working on real design projects.

"This is not just a building, it is a promise," said Susanne Newmark, President & CEO of Newmark Associates. "The students who learn here will not only learn about designing spaces, they will be designing possibility."

Mayor Ras J. Baraka shared his thoughts on the school's start. "I couldn't be happier for these Newark students who have begun their journey to learn how to make spaces that give people a sense of self and belonging to a community," he said.

The building marks number 65 in the district. It's also the eleventh school started since 2018 under León's watch. This fits into a bigger 10-year plan to change how Newark runs its high schools.

Pratt brings strong skills to the table. Their past students designed famous buildings like the Chrysler Building. One graduate, Annabelle Selldorf, created the Neue Galerie and worked on the Frick Collection's growth.

"We are proud to partner and launch the Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design, bringing Pratt Institute's world-renowned expertise to expand youth access to the creative disciplines through the public school system," said Pratt President Frances Bronet.

Board President Hasani K. Council spoke about what the school means: "With this school, we are ensuring that young people in Newark have access to world-class opportunities in architecture, design, and the trades. It is proof that when we invest in our students, they rise to meet, and exceed, every expectation."