Science

Science Department Mission

The goal of the Science Department is to establish a culture of academic rigor and intellectual curiosity, empowering students to navigate the complexities of the modern world. We hold our students to the highest standards of critical thinking and inquiry, fostering an environment in which they not only absorb scientific knowledge, but also actively question, analyze, and problem solve.

Students study Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Scientific Ethics, and Physics. We are committed to preparing a generation of versatile, forward-thinking contributors through hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary projects, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. Introductory courses are complemented by Astronomy & Astrophysics, Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Chemistry, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Advanced Placement Physics and Advanced Placement Psychology.

We encourage and support a wide array of extra-curricular science activities, and aim to add more this year and next. Our students participate in the NYC Metropolitan and New York State Science Olympiad, Brain Bee Competition, Columbia Science Honors Program and AMNH Research Program.

2023-2024 Science Course Offerings

  

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

LaG Updates

  • Principal's Welcome Letter to Accepted Students

    March 14, 2024

     

    Dear Students and Families, 

     

    Congratulations on your acceptance to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts! This is an incredible achievement, and we are thrilled to welcome you into our vibrant and talented school community. By attending LaGuardia Arts, you can now count yourself among an illustrious list of renowned artists who have walked the halls of our school and our legacy schools, The High School of Music & Art and the High School of Performing Arts. 

     

    At LaGuardia, you will embark on a journey of artistic exploration, academic achievement, and personal growth. Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance, encouragement, and mentorship. Our school community is committed to providing you with the tools and resources to succeed - both academically and artistically. You will have the chance to collaborate with fellow students who share your passion, forge lifelong friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

     

    On Monday, March 25, we will host an Open House event for all accepted students. During this event, you can hear from our academic department leaders, current parents & students, and me. You can also attend information sessions specific to your studio program. 

     

    In the meantime, we invite you to follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram) and also learn more about our programs on our website, LaGuardiaHS.org

     

    Once again, congratulations on your acceptance to LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. We are honored to have you as part of our family and look forward to the amazing things you will accomplish.

     

    Sincerely,

    Deepak Marwah

    Principal

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • Principal Marwah Welcomes in the Spring Semester

    January 29, 2024

    Dear LaGuardia High School Students,

    Welcome back to another exciting term at LaGuardia! As we embark on the Spring 2024 term, I am thrilled to welcome each of you back to our vibrant and creative community. Whether you had a strong Fall semester or wish to perform better, we are here to support you and help you achieve your goals. 

    LaGuardia is a place where passion, talent, and learning converge, and I am confident that this term will be filled with academic and artistic exploration, growth, and collaboration. To optimally engage in your studio classes, you must continue to focus on your core subject courses. Please put a plan in place to improve attendance and lateness if you need help with that. If organization is your challenge, take some time to develop systems and a schedule that works for you. Find something that you want to improve and set a goal. 

    As we resume classes, I encourage you to approach each day with enthusiasm and an open mind. Embrace the challenges that come your way. We are all here to guide and support you on your journey, and I am confident that you will reach new heights with hard work and focus.

    This term will present various exciting events, performances, and showcases, allowing you to share your talents with the LaGuardia community and beyond. I encourage you to actively participate, collaborate with your peers, and take advantage of every opportunity to showcase your academic and artistic talents. 

    Remember that LaGuardia is not just a school but a community fostering creativity, passion, and individuality. Each of you plays a crucial role in shaping our artistic community. Embrace the talent around you, support your fellow students, and together, create an environment where everyone can thrive, support, and help each other. 

    I look forward to witnessing the incredible performances, exhibitions, and accomplishments that will undoubtedly emerge from the talented students of LaGuardia High School this term. I wish you a successful and inspiring term ahead! Happy final semester to the Class of 2024! You’re almost there!

    Sincerely,

    Deepak Marwah, Principal

     

    A PDF copy of the letter is attached.

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • High School Admissions Clarification

    LaGuardia High School has six studios, and applicants will receive an offer for each studio for which they have a qualifying audition score. This means that students may receive an offer to multiple studios. 

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • 4 Artists Move on to Presidential Scholar Round

    Congratulations to the following students who are nominated for the 2024 Presidential Scholars in the Arts:

     

    Detola Badmas, Voice 

    Charles Head, Dance 

    Ian Ohara, Photography 

    Bobby Park, Classical Music 

     

    We wish them success as they move forward in the selection process.

    Scholars are selected annually by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, based on academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities and writing ability. 

     

    The first step to becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts is to apply to YoungArts’ national arts competition. Award winners who attend National YoungArts Week are considered for nomination by their respective discipline-specific panelists based on their artistic achievement and participation in the program.

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • 100 Days - A Message From Principal Marwah

    December 8, 2023

    Dear LaGuardia Community,

    Today marks my 100th day as Principal of LaGuardia High School. My first official day was August 31st, and each day since has brought celebrations, challenges, opportunities to learn, and great pride. 

    As I write this letter, I hear the music from the lobby where our Fine Arts students welcome families and friends to the spectacular Semi-Annual Art Show. Last night, our all-school musical, The Addams Family, opened to an audience captivated by the talent and dedication of the cast and crew members. This week, I was stunned by the focus and talent of our Dance students as they invited families to see their progress. Last week, I heard the LaGuardia Wind Symphony play for hundreds of music educators attending the New York State School Music Association conference in Rochester, NY. They were celebrated with a long-standing ovation and many compliments from educators who had only heard of LaGuardia. 

    As I started 100 days ago, I have been fortunate to engage with community members through General PA meetings, Studio PA meetings, townhalls, Coffee & Donuts events, SGO meetings, Academic Forum meetings, conversations at Art Shows, UFT Consultative Committee meetings, administrative cabinet meetings, pre-concert connections, and casual discussions on 65th street. I have learned much about our community values and ways to collaborate and continue enhancing LaGuardia's longstanding tradition of excellence. 

    This information enabled me to identify immediate priorities and key mid- and long-term goals. These include:

    • Increase student achievement through effective professional learning for all faculty, staff, and administrators
    • Improve trust and confidence through clear and frequent communication
    • Establish a supportive, positive school climate and culture
    • Increase the overall effectiveness of our organization

    Since starting at LaGuardia, I’ve strived to be present in the community and hands-on as a leader to ensure we continue to meet the above goals. Here are some updates to the goals which we are working towards:

    • We are reviewing instructional practices to increase student engagement. This includes social and emotional learning and connecting our students to outside opportunities. 
    • We have significantly increased our communications with the LaGuardia community through weekly newsletters and ongoing relevant updates. We also host monthly Donuts & Coffee meetings organized by our Parent Coordinator; we are increasing tools for learning and connections (Jupiter Grades) and are constantly reviewing and improving communication protocols through our Revise, Repair, Restore committee. (More information about communication will be shared in the upcoming weeks)
    • The School Leadership Team has started reviewing the Comprehensive Education Plan for LaGuardia High School to ensure it is a meaningful document used to implement change and increase the overall student experience for all learners.
    • Finally, we will continue highlighting student success stories on our website, weekly communications, and social media (follow us on Instagram @LaGuardia.Arts). 

    I look forward to the next 100 days! As always, thank you for participating in this work and helping ensure LaGuardia remains one of the best schools in New York City! 

    Best Regards, 

    Deepak Marwah

    Principal

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • Math and Science Updates

    In collaboration with members of the School Leadership Team (SLT) and Superintendent Beidleman, we are happy to present Erika Sun as a new Assistant Principal.

     

    Erika began her education at Northwestern University, where she was one of twenty students admitted to its Honors Program in Medical Education. This B.A./M.D. program allowed high school students dual admission into Northwestern's undergraduate schools and Feinberg School of Medicine. There, she majored in Psychology, participated in Northwestern’s Philharmonia, and conducted research studying the impact that socioeconomic status has on cardiac disease through longitudinal research methods. After graduating with her B.A. in Psychology, Erika pursued a teaching fellowship before matriculating to medical school. She received her first master's degree from Relay Graduate School of Education while teaching high school science full-time in the Bronx. After completing her two-year fellowship, Erika knew she had fallen in love with education and wanted to pursue it as a career. 

     

    During her tenure as a classroom teacher, she acted as her school’s Sustainability, SAT, Macy Honors, and Testing Coordinators, which allowed her to implement school-wide systems and partner with various organizations that further enriched the education and lives of her students. Erika’s passion for educational policy and systems-level change led her to apply to Teachers College, Columbia University, for her Master’s in Education and School Building Leadership. There, she learned research and data-driven methodologies for equitable educational transformation, participated in an internship to prepare for the rigors of education administration, and, alongside her team, became the first-ever dual recipients of both the Innovation and Best Overall Design awards at the New School Design Showcase. Erika’s fulfillment comes from elevating people, policies, and procedures that produce sustainable outcomes for a better tomorrow. She is eager to build upon the already robust foundation LaGuardia offers its students: to think critically, express themselves artistically, and serve as exemplary contributors to the city’s vibrant social fabric. 

     

    Mrs. Sun will join the LaGuardia community as the AP of Science and take time to learn about our dynamic school community, meet her new team of teachers and colleagues, and learn how best to take the strong work of science teachers to the next level. 

     

    Mr. Justin Mackey will remain with our Math department during this time and continue the work he started in collaboration with teachers and parents to support instruction, student engagement, and curriculum development.

     

    I am hopeful that, with two leaders in place, we can support the amazing work in Math and Science in a more meaningful, purposeful, and targeted way, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for students.

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • Principal's Message November 22, 2023

    November 22, 2023

    Dear LaGuardia Community,

    As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you. This season of reflection and appreciation allows us to pause and acknowledge what we have to be thankful for.

    I am thankful to the dedicated educators who pour their passion into fostering a love for learning in our students. I am inspired by their commitment which is evident in the growth and achievements of our artists and scholars.

    To our hardworking support staff, thank you for the tireless efforts you contribute behind the scenes. Your dedication ensures that our school operates smoothly and efficiently, creating an environment where students can thrive.

    A special note of appreciation goes out to our students—the heart and soul of LaGuardia. I am so incredibly proud to be your principal and to help guide your transition into becoming people who will change the world.

    Parents and guardians, I have received many letters of support, gratitude, and thanks over the past two weeks. I plan to respond to each of you soon, but wanted to let you know that those emails of support help more than you know. Thank you for taking the time to recognize the work we do for our students. Your partnership is invaluable, and we are grateful for the strong sense of community that we share.

    I wish you all a joyful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving. May this season be a time of warmth, connection, and reflection on the many reasons we are fortunate to be a part of the LaGuardia community.

     

    With heartfelt thanks,

     

    Deepak Marwah

    Principal

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • Music Letter to Families and Students #4

    November 15, 2023

    Good Afternoon Music Studio Students, Families and Staff:

     

    LaGuardia is proud to offer high school students a conservatory education program in addition to our rigorous academic program.  A conservatory education is a distinctive and immersive approach to nurturing the talents and passions of your child in music. Our course sequence and portfolio of performance opportunities encourages students to push their boundaries and prepares students for university music programs and college-conservatory programs.  As part of our program, students are formally assessed to provide students with both feedback and audition preparation.  The below information will provide you with an overview of the music assessment process at each grade level. 

     

    Freshmen/Sophomore Instrumental:  In addition to technique class assessments, students will be formally assessed at the end of the school year as part of our 2024 Instrumental Ensemble Placement Procedures for Students 

     

    Freshmen/Sophomore Vocal:  Students are assessed after each unit in their Voice 1/2 and Voice 3/4 courses.  Students prepare an assigned song, and then receive feedback from their teacher and recieve informal feedback from their peers.  For more information see your voice teacher.

     

    Junior and Senior Juries:  The junior and senior juries will be held at the end of January.  During a jury, students showcase their musical progress and proficiency to a panel of LaGuardia faculty members.  Students are rated and receive feedback.  More information will be shared by teachers during technique and ensemble classes.  Juniors and seniors should review the 2024 Instrumental Jury Letter or 2024 vocal Jury Letter.

     

    Senior NYCDOE Music Commencement Assessment:  Instrumental and Vocal studio seniors prepare to graduate with a Chancellor’s Diploma Endorsement in Music and must successfully complete ALL three components of the 2023 Music Commencement Assessment.  Please review the 2024 Commencement Exam Intro Letter to Students and Families

     

    Important Reminders:  

    • In order to perform at LaGuardia, students must be present in school on the day of the performance.  If a student is too sick to attend school then they should not perform and should take care of their health.  Please also refer to the ensemble syllabus for more information regarding performance eligibility.
    • In order to perform at LaGuardia, students must complete the DOE media release.

    Parents can sign it digitally here - https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/

    • Families should login and click on forms
    • Click on “sign” for the media consent

     

    Please do not hesitate to contact me at Bschott@schools.nyc.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

    Sincerely,

    Benjamin Schott, Assistant Principal - Music and Special Education



    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • Principal's Weekly Update 10.27.23

    October 27, 2023

     

    Dear LaGuardia Community, 

    This week we welcomed nearly 3,000 prospective families to LaGuardia’s Open House event. During this event, 8th-grade youth witnessed what sets our school apart – our amazing students! I watched our students beam with pride as they directed traffic, participated in Q&A sessions, and performed for audiences of over 1,000 spectators. I was proud to see how our faculty, staff, students, and parents collaborated to create an event that left prospective students feeling excited about what’s ahead of them.

     

    Please check out the Yellow Sheet to find information about:

     

    • Spirit Week

    • Peer Tutoring Information

    • Information about NYCSA and TeachHub

    • Music Studio Information 

    • AP Exam Information

    • Upcoming Event Information

    • Community Events and more…

    In addition to the peer tutoring program (LagPods), I am happy to share some in-school and after-school tutoring information: Tutoring Information. All of this information, and more, can be found on our school website. We have also recently added a link to purchase tickets for upcoming events. I recommend purchasing tickets for The Addams Family before they’re gone!

    Next week, I will share an update about leadership for the Math & Science department and continue to update this list of student-led clubs at LaGuardia

    I wish you a restful and relaxing weekend.

    Warm Regards, 

    Deepak Marwah

    Principal

     

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
  • Welcome to LaGuardia Arts Open House on Wednesday

    We are excited to share information about our Open House for Prospective Families this coming Wednesday, October 25, 2023.  Our Open House is a self-guided walking tour where each family’s experience will be unique to them.

     

    Now, this is not our only Open House

    After auditions are complete and offers are released by the NYC Public Schools Office of Enrollment, we will hold a special Open House just for those who have been accepted.  At that time, we will explain far more about our school, programs, and studio & academic offerings – this is prior to you having to commit to the one school where you will attend next year.

     

    Please note:  

    • Adults should be prepared to show identification when entering the building.  If you do not have a government issued ID, please speak with the staff at the entrance.

     

    Families are asked to keep track of their time in the building – we anticipate that 1 ½ hours in the building should allow you to have your audition questions answered, as well as attend the Welcome session by Principal Marwah.  

     

    For those families who are unable to come, please know that Principal Marwah will give the same Welcome and Studio Assistant Principals will respond to Frequently Asked Audition Questions at our Virtual Open House on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 5:30 PM.  (The Zoom link will be posted to our website the day before the Virtual Open House.)  

     

    We hope that the number of people in attendance does not overwhelm you.  Please know that our building will seem full during our Open House.  On a regular school day, you would expect that half the number of people will be present.  

     

    Rather than having families wait in line in the cold, we do suggest times to arrive.  

     

    Last Names Begin A-H:  Arrive 5:00 PM

    Last Names Begin I-O:  Arrive 5:30 PM

    Last Names Begin P-Z;  Arrive 6:00 PM

     

    Our Open House has been extended until 7:30 PM to accommodate this staggered schedule and allow families 1 ½ hours in the building.  Our students and parents will be directing families when they arrive.  Please use the QR Codes located when you enter our building.  The QR Codes will provide you with all of the information necessary to have a successful visit.

     

    Go Lions!

    Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
View More Posts

In-School Science Tutoring Schedule