Pierre Orbe, Principal of DeWitt Clinton High School in New York, has been a transformative leader in revitalizing one of the Bronx’s most historic schools. For years, DeWitt Clinton struggled with low graduation rates, declining enrollment, and a tarnished reputation. By the time Pierre Orbe took over in 2016-17, the school was on the brink of closure. Rather than succumbing to these challenges, he implemented a vision centered on collaboration, care, and student success.
Under his leadership, the school's graduation rate surged from 46% to 97% in just six years. He introduced CTE-certified programs offering students college credits, certifications, and internships while fostering a culture of equity and inclusion. His adaptive leadership tackled key issues like improving attendance, creating safety in a high-risk environment, and supporting students with learning differences. A data-driven approach helped identify and address grading inconsistencies, ensuring students received the support they needed to succeed.
His transformational impact earned him recognition as a Cahn Fellow for Distinguished Principals (2023-24) and acceptance into the Harvard CAEL Program (2025). As a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Russell Sage College, he is preparing for the next stage of his career. With a leadership philosophy focused on equity, collaboration, and school improvement, Pierre Orbe is now poised to take on the role of superintendent, bringing his proven strategies to a broader stage.
The history of DeWitt Clinton High School is one of both storied success and profound challenges. Founded over 125 years ago, the school has long been a cornerstone of the Bronx community. However, beginning in the late 20th century, DeWitt Clinton faced a steady decline in performance and reputation. Publicly available data in the early 2000s revealed a troubling graduation rate of less than 45%, coupled with frequent reports of violence and disorder. The school became synonymous with struggle, and families were understandably hesitant to enroll their children. This decline eroded the school’s once-vibrant community, leaving it with low enrollment, minimal resources, and a diminished sense of purpose.
When Pierre Orbe Principal of DeWitt Clinton High School took over, he knew that restoring the school’s reputation would require more than just improving test scores. He believed in fostering a culture of trust and collaboration among students, parents, and staff. Listening to their concerns, he identified key areas of improvement, including college readiness programs, career certifications, and internships. These initiatives were designed not only to boost academic performance but also to give students practical tools for lifelong success.
Pierre Orbe New York brought a unique approach to leadership that centered on empowerment and accountability. He understood that no single solution could address the complex challenges facing DeWitt Clinton. Instead, he prioritized listening to the voices of the school community, using their input to shape a shared vision for the future. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of ownership among stakeholders, from teachers and staff to parents and students.
One of the key elements of Pierre Orbe’s strategy was creating multiple pathways for students to succeed. By implementing programs that allowed students to earn college credits, pursue career certifications, and engage in internships, he ensured that every student could find a path aligned with their goals and interests. These efforts not only improved student engagement but also attracted families back to the school. Enrollment, which had dropped to 970 students, began to climb, reaching 1,275 and projected to grow further in the coming years.
A critical aspect of DeWitt Clinton’s transformation under Pierre Orbe Principal of the school was addressing the issue of parental involvement. Research shows that parental expectations significantly impact academic performance, yet many parents disengage as their children enter high school. This disengagement often stems from adolescents seeking independence, the complexities of high school structures, and parents feeling ill-equipped to assist with academics. Pierre Orbe recognized that students needed their parents’ support during this crucial stage and made it a priority to reengage families.
Guidance counselors played a pivotal role in this effort. Each counselor, responsible for approximately 200 students, maintained consistent communication with parents, achieving a 98% contact rate. Parents were kept informed about attendance, grades, behavior, and extracurricular activities. However, the focus was not solely on informing parents but also on empowering them to actively participate in their child’s education. Pierre Orbe New York emphasized the importance of building trust and providing parents with the tools they needed to support their children effectively.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Many parents only engage when issues arise, often feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. Counselors frequently encounter parents who express frustration and helplessness, saying, “I don’t know what to do with them!” To address this, Pierre Orbe worked to develop a more cohesive strategy for parent-counselor partnerships. By providing training and resources for counselors, the school aimed to equip parents with actionable strategies for supporting their children, fostering a stronger home-school connection.
Under Pierre Orbe Principal of DeWitt Clinton High School, the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. The school’s graduation rate has soared, reaching an impressive 97% after years of being mired below 45%. Attendance has climbed to 93%, and 98% of students are now completing college readiness courses. These achievements have restored confidence among families, as evidenced by the steady increase in enrollment. The school has not only regained its position as a respected institution but also as a beacon of hope for the Bronx community.
Pierre Orbe New York continues to lead with a vision of inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. By fostering collaboration among students, parents, and staff, he has transformed DeWitt Clinton High School into a model of what dedication and leadership can achieve.
Pierre Orbe Principal of DeWitt Clinton High School in New York has proven that with care, vision, and commitment, even the most troubled schools can become symbols of success and hope.
