At United Charter High Schools HUM schools, we believe a humanities-focused education is the key to unlocking every student’s full potential for a successful and fulfilling future. Our rigorous college preparatory program – grounded in the arts, critical thinking, and strong writing – prepares students with skills for highly marketable careers, competitive college admissions, and meaningful lifelong development. Most importantly, we provide this life-changing educational opportunity to ALL students, tuition-free.
Rigorous Academics at UCHS HUM I, II & IV
Students at HUM schools engage with a rigorous academic program that includes Advanced Placement courses like AP Language, AP Literature, AP Psychology, AP World History, and AP U.S. History. These courses emphasize problem-solving, sharpen analytical skills, and foster the ability to read and write with clarity—skills that colleges and employers value. By prioritizing critical thinking, HUM students develop intellectual agility to tackle complex challenges in fields like marketing, law, or technology. The sky is the limit.
Our dedication to humanities education has empowered many of our students to achieve advanced proficiency in both English and at least one other world language. As a result, they earn the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy from the State of New York – a distinction on their diplomas that demonstrates to colleges and employers their strong language abilities and biliteracy skills.
Exploring Electives and Extracurriculars
HUM’s robust arts programs offer hands-on opportunities to explore creativity and discover new talents. Students can immerse themselves in performing arts, chorus, visual arts, dance, spoken word, or creative writing through diverse electives. Weekly arts presentations, internships, and the Senior Capstone Project transform learning into action, building portfolios that showcase unique talents. These experiences cultivate adaptability, collaboration, and innovation — qualities that shine in competitive job markets and college applications. Students at HUM are well-prepared for careers like graphic design, journalism, public relations, or arts administration, where creativity and communication are highly valued.
If you have an active student, who loves to be involved with classmates, all HUM schools offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including the Student Advisory Board, Student Government, Gaming, Stepping, or the Student Newspaper. These opportunities teach leadership, teamwork, and communication, preparing students for roles in project management, education, or nonprofit leadership. We help students strengthen their resumes with an array of opportunities that showcase their interests, skills, and ability to engage well within their communities.
New York City High School Success Stories
HUM graduates leave high school ready for top colleges and universities, equipped with a skill set employers prize. By nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression, we are empowering students to pursue rewarding careers in fields like media production, policy analysis, or creative writing.
Many HUM students graduate with the Seal of Civics Readiness on their diplomas and transcripts, highlighting their dedication to civic responsibility, values, and active participation in government. This prestigious recognition demonstrates to colleges, universities, and future employers that the student has completed a meaningful civics or social justice action project and deeply values civic engagement and informed citizenship.
Is your student ready for more? We invite prospective families to discover how HUM’s humanities-focused education can ignite your high schooler’s potential for a lifetime of achievement. Visit our enrollment page to get started.
About United Charter High Schools
United Charter High Schools is a network of seven award-winning and tuition-free charter schools serving 9th-12th grade students and families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We are united in our mission to close the opportunity gap by ensuring equal access to rigorous STEAM and Humanities academics and unwavering support for post-secondary readiness. Get to know us at www.unitedcharter.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is open now.
