University Heights High School
University Heights High School is a Bronx-based NYC Department of Education school serving nearly 600 students in grades 9 through 12. As a member of the New York Performance Standards Consortium and other leading coalitions, it is known for its strong academics and commitment to equity.
The school’s mission extends well beyond the classroom. University Heights is dedicated to developing the “whole person” by nurturing intellectual, social, physical, and ethical growth. Faculty and staff work closely with students, emphasizing responsibility, respect, and individuality as essential qualities for success in college and life.
Collaboration and trust define the school culture. Students are challenged to think critically, embrace individuality, and contribute to their community, building the confidence and independence needed to succeed.
However, while the school’s previous website provided important resources, it no longer kept pace with the needs of its growing community. With content divided across two separate platforms, navigation often felt fragmented, and accessibility features fell short of expectations. University Heights saw the opportunity for a fresh digital presence—one that unified information, reflected the energy of its campus, and offered a modern, user-friendly experience for students, parents, and staff alike.
Concept
Our approach began with listening. Through discovery sessions, we identified what the old site lacked and what the community needed most. The priorities were clear: unify two websites into one, improve accessibility, simplify navigation, and give the school an online presence that felt as polished as a university.
Design inspiration came from higher education institutions like Columbia and CUNY. We wanted University Heights to project a collegiate feel while still remaining approachable for high school students and parents. Clean layouts, subtle animations, and a bold purple brand palette created a look that balanced professionalism with warmth.
Functionality was just as important as design. We integrated a streamlined uniform store, a dynamic school calendar, and social media feeds to keep the community connected. A translation feature ensured that Spanish-speaking families could easily access information. On the backend, we customized WordPress to make content management simple for staff, giving them the ability to update resources without technical barriers.
The result is a website that feels alive, inclusive, and reflective of University Heights’ mission. It unifies the school community under one digital home, making it easier for students, parents, and staff to engage. More than a redesign, it is a platform that matches the energy of the school and supports its vision for the future.
