Mark Twain Intermediate School 239, located in Brooklyn, New York, stands out as a highly desirable middle school, renowned for its challenging academic environment and exceptional talent programs. Attracting students not only from across Brooklyn but also from further afield, IS 239 Mark Twain offers a unique educational experience for those with diverse talents and academic aspirations.
Unlike many specialized middle schools, Mark Twain IS 239 distinguishes itself by its admissions policy. While its student body typically enters with test scores exceeding city averages, and a significant number proceed to Specialized High Schools, admission is not based on standardized test results or grades. Instead, prospective students are evaluated through auditions or tests in one of eleven talent areas. These areas range from athletic prowess to musical instrument mastery and scientific aptitude, ensuring a diverse and multifaceted student population.
The school’s academic structure is designed to cater to a range of abilities. In the 6th grade, classes are intentionally mixed, bringing together students with varied academic backgrounds. As students progress to higher grades, classes become more differentiated, offering honors and advanced coursework to those ready for a greater challenge. Mark Twain IS 239 provides opportunities to take Regents exams in Algebra, Earth Science, and Living Environment, as well as offering Spanish and Italian language studies. A Department of Education report has specifically commended the educators at Mark Twain for their dedication to adapting teaching materials to effectively reach students across all academic levels. To foster a sense of community within the large school environment, a cluster system is implemented. This system divides students into smaller groups of approximately 150, spanning different talent areas, helping students connect and navigate the school more effectively.
Since Karen Ditolla assumed the role of principal in 2011, significant efforts have been made to modernize and upgrade Mark Twain’s building, which dates back to the 1930s. The school now boasts updated science labs, a versatile black box theater, and a mock courtroom used in law and debate classes. Furthermore, coding labs have been designed to resemble the innovative workspaces of tech companies like Facebook or Google, rather than traditional classrooms. Continuing its commitment to technology, Mark Twain has transitioned from providing iPads to equipping classrooms with a greater number of computers, such as laptops and Chromebooks, ensuring students have access to the tools they need for modern learning.
Principal Ditolla emphasizes the importance of moving beyond rote learning for Mark Twain students, noting their strong foundational academic skills. She states, “Our kids are very good compliance learners, but they need to think and innovate and go out and showcase that.” This philosophy underscores the school’s commitment to nurturing critical thinking and innovation among its students.
Over time, Mark Twain has faced challenges in maintaining racial diversity. Originally a predominantly Black school, it transitioned to a magnet school in 1975. By 1996, concerns were raised by Black parents about the limited representation of their children at Mark Twain. Today, the school’s demographic makeup is disproportionately White and Asian, with a lower percentage of low-income students compared to many other schools. However, Principal Ditolla notes that Mark Twain is more diverse than many other gifted and talented programs in the city.
Special education: Mark Twain provides support for students with special needs through five small, self-contained classes, as well as team teaching classes in each grade that integrate both general and special education students.
Admissions: Mark Twain IS 239 is open to students from all areas of New York City. Applicants to the seven arts-based talent programs are required to complete an audition. The remaining four programs—Athletics, Computer/Math, Creative Writing/Journalism, and Science—select students through a lottery system. For complete details, please consult the school’s website and the Department of Education’s Middle Schools Auditions webpage. (Information updated August 2022).
