MOTT HALL BRIDGES ACADEMY

MOTT HALL BRIDGES ACADEMY is a Title I public middle school that is part of the NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #23 school district, located in BROOKLYN, NY with about 199 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 14 teachers, MOTT HALL BRIDGES ACADEMY has a student/teacher ratio of about 14:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

MOTT HALL BRIDGES ACADEMY (MHBA), located in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, is a public middle school (Grades 5–8) that serves as a cornerstone of its community. Founded in 2010, the school gained national recognition under the leadership of its former principal, Nadia Lopez, particularly after becoming the subject of the viral "Humans of New York" feature that highlighted the school's commitment to empowering students from underserved backgrounds. The school is known for its rigorous academic culture, a strong focus on college readiness, and its mission to instill leadership, integrity, and social responsibility in its scholars.

Beyond its academic curriculum, MHBA is defined by a supportive, family-like environment that emphasizes emotional intelligence and community engagement. The school creates a holistic development approach, frequently organizing field trips to universities, hosting mentorship programs, and utilizing restorative practices to foster student growth. By aiming to break the cycle of systemic poverty through education, MOTT HALL BRIDGES ACADEMY serves as a beacon of high expectations and community pride, encouraging its students—often referred to as "scholars"—to recognize their potential as future change-makers.

For more information, contact MOTT HALL BRIDGES ACADEMY at (718) 345-6912 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.