El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice is an A-rated NYC public high school was established in 1993 under the leadership of its founding Principal Frances Lucerna and in partnership with the NYC Dept. of Education and New Visions for Public Schools. As the first public school for human rights and Community School model in the nation, the El Puente Academy has received widespread recognition and awards for its innovation and leadership in culturally responsive curriculum, portfolio assessment, arts integration, and character/leadership development. The El Puente Academy is also part of the NYC DOE’S Expanded Success Initiative focused on the academic success of male Latino and African American students. The Academy is highlighted in the Eisenhower Foundation report, “What Works: Public School Reform ” and was part of a 2014 Stanford University Study sponsored by Linda Darling Hammond researching best practices in schools focused on social emotional development and social justice. In 2014, the El Puente Academy received an Honorable Mention in the NY Daily News’ Best NYC High Schools rankings.