In an effort to represent the community’s prestige, the South Bronx Charter School for International Cultures and the Arts (SBCSICA) is a model of excellence providing its youngsters with a constructivist and child centered curriculum. Our intellectually challenging and standards based curriculum is enriched by our international perspective, the arts, and dual language program. Students receive a well-rounded education that uses the arts to promote excellence in all areas: cognitive, social, emotional, and moral. Our school meets or exceeds New York State Learning Standards, aligns student learning to those standards and supports teachers with professional development opportunities. Our community, our parents, and staff are empowered to participate meaningfully in our school to strengthen its potential for success.
Students have the opportunity to participate in the College Now program through our dual-enrollment partnership with CUNY Hunter College as early as 10th grade. For professional development, we are partnered with the Center for the Professional Education of Teachers at Teachers College, Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, and Mastery Connect through Instructure.
Below are the course offerings and progression for students at SBCSICA (SY 2025-2026), designed to meet and exceed New York State graduation requirements while preparing all students for college-level work.
| Subject | Grades 9–10 | Grades 11–12 |
|---|---|---|
| English | English 9, English 10 | English 11, AP Literature & Composition (as of Fall 2025) |
| Mathematics | Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus | |
| Science | Life Science: Biology & Lab, Chemistry, AP Environmental Science (as of Fall 2025) | |
| Social Studies | Global History I & II | US History, Participation in Government & Economics |
| World Language | Language Other Than English: Spanish, AP Spanish Language & Culture (as of Fall 2024) | |
| Physical Education | Physical Education: Fitness | |
| Health | Health & Wellness | |
| Arts | Art Studio: Mixed Media, Music Studio: Intermediate Music Ensemble, Music Studio: Advanced Music Ensemble (Music studios based on department recommendation) | |
| Electives | Intro to Mechanical Robotics, Intro to Drone Aviation Technology, Drone Technology: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations, College Now @ Hunter College (Dual Enrollment) | |
Students progress through each grade level based on the number of credits they earn and their academic performance. Clear promotion benchmarks ensure students stay on track, while graduation requirements combine credit completion and Regents exam success to prepare students for college and future careers.
Students are promoted based on the number of credits they earn. In order to be promoted, students must earn at least:
Students also must pass 4+1 Regents exams in order to graduate.
Examination Requirements
Students must achieve a score of 65 or higher on these five exams to graduate and earn a Regents diploma:
Credit Requirements
Students need 44 credits in these subject areas to graduate and earn a Regents diploma:
Students progress through each grade level based on the number of credits they earn and their academic performance. Clear promotion benchmarks ensure students stay on track, while graduation requirements combine credit completion and Regents exam success to prepare students for college and future careers.
Students are promoted based on the number of credits they earn. In order to be promoted, students must earn at least:
Students also must pass 4+1 Regents exams in order to graduate
Students must achieve a score of 65 or higher on these five exams to graduate and earn a Regents diploma:
Students need 44 credits in these subject areas to graduate and earn a Regents diploma:
At SBCSICA, our Music Program provides students with meaningful opportunities to develop their musical talent, collaborate with professional musicians, and perform in a variety of settings. Students participate in ensemble performances, school concerts, and small-group instruction led by experienced instructors and visiting artists.
Through our partnership with The Jazz Gallery, students in our top ensemble take part in six masterclasses each school year. During each masterclass, students study the work of a featured musician or composer, prepare a performance of that artist’s music, and receive feedback and guidance from a panel of professional musicians. These musicians also perform selections from the featured artist, creating a unique and inspiring learning experience for our students.
At SBCSICA, we prepare students for the future by providing real-world experiences in robotics, engineering, drone technology, and FAA certification. Our program builds on foundational skills in middle school, progressing to advanced certifications and internship opportunities in high school.
Focus: FAA Part 107 Preparation
credentials that set them apart in technology-driven fields.
Focus: Becoming Certified Part 107 Drone Pilots
STEM skills with creative media production.
Empowering Students through competitive athletics, diverse clubs, and dedicated academic support.
A comfortable, supervised space where students can relax, study, socialize, and recharge. The lounge encourages community-building and provides a safe environment during free periods
Get involved and make your mark on our school community!
Discover how SBCSICA’s Elementary School builds confident, curious, and culturally aware learners.
Evelyn Hey has been the principal of SBCSICA since it opened its doors in August 2005. She has over 25 years of experience in teaching and administration within the NYC public schools. She has expertise in professional development, thematic curriculum planning, bilingual curriculum programs, balanced literacy, best practices, and instructional leadership. She earned a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Bank Street College and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Good Counsel College.
Dr. Blige is a results-oriented and visionary educational leader with a track record of success in instructional administration/specialist. With a strong passion for fostering student achievement, Dr. Blige brings a wealth of expertise in designing and implementing effective instructional practices to support student learning and growth. As an Instructional Administrator, Dr. Blige has demonstrated exemplary leadership in driving educational excellence and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Dr. Blige has successfully led the development and implementation of district-wide instructional initiatives and frameworks. Through strategic planning and collaboration with stakeholders, Dr. Blige has streamlined educational programs, aligned standards, and supervised the evaluation and selection of instructional resources.
Dr. Blige has proven instrumental in providing targeted support and professional development opportunities to educators, fostering their instructional skills and pedagogical knowledge. By delivering impactful training sessions and workshops, Dr. Blige has empowered teachers to implement evidence-based instructional strategies, differentiation techniques, and assessment practices to maximize student learning outcomes. With a profound dedication to student success, Dr. Blige demonstrates a genuine commitment to creating a student-centered learning environment. By utilizing data analysis and formative assessments, Dr. Blige has effectively monitored student progress, identified areas for improvement, and developed targeted interventions tailored to individual student needs. Through collaboration with teachers, Dr. Blige has facilitated data-driven decision-making processes to optimize instructional practices and promote equitable student achievement.
Dr. Blige holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, complemented by over 25 years of experience and successful leadership. Dr. Blige has a relentless commitment to academic excellence, combines a deep understanding of educational best practices with strategic leadership to drive positive change and achieve outstanding results.
In summary, Dr. Blige is an esteemed and highly effective educational leader who has served students within the NYCDOE, leveraging exceptional leadership skills to drive educational excellence and foster a positive and inclusive school culture. With a focus on instructional quality, student achievement, and stakeholder engagement, Dr. Blige is dedicated to preparing students for success academically, personally, and professionally, making a lasting impact on their lives.
Azizi Madramootoo embarked on her educational journey in 2011, when she joined the SBCSICA community. Over the years, she has worn several hats, including that of a master teacher, an instructional coach, a staff developer, and an Assistant Principal. Today, Ms. Madramootoo proudly leads as the Elementary School Principal. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Kaplan University, and she has honed her leadership skills with a School Building Leader Advanced Certification from the College of St. Rose.
Viridiana Barban
Doctor in Education from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). MS in Science Education from Florida International University (FIU). Experienced Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary/university education industry. Specialist in Cooperative learning and Thinking-Based Learning (TBL) with nearly a decade of collaboration with Dr. Robert Swartz, author of the TBL approach. She has participated as a speaker at several conferences and teacher training courses in Spain and Latin America. Currently teaching Secondary and IB Diploma Programme and serving as an adjunct professor at Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR). Founder and Director of OneTwoThink (www.onetwothink.com), an organization dedicated to research, training, and the design of educational resources related to the Pedagogy of Thinking (PdT).
The training
Teaching students how to think is essential to preparing a new generation capable of independent judgment, critical evaluation of information, and responsible citizenship in a rapidly changing world. True learning goes beyond memorization—it happens when students think effectively about content, build deep understanding, and transfer that knowledge to new contexts.
By engaging teachers in purposeful training, we equip them to foster strategic, rigorous, and skillful thinking in their classrooms. This approach transforms everyday lessons into opportunities for reflection, transfer of knowledge, and the development of thinking habits that will serve students for life.
“We train teachers to go beyond memorization—helping students think critically, creatively, and responsibly in a rapidly changing world.”
“Empowering educators to foster deep understanding, transferable skills, and a lifelong culture of thinking.”
“Transforming classrooms into spaces where thinking becomes the heart of learning.”
