Poly’s brilliant faculty travel from far and wide to work at our beautiful Dyker Heights campus. While our community enjoys the benefits of this beautiful location, one question remains: how do our teachers make their way here each day?
The various places they call home, the different modes of transportation they use, and the time it takes them to reach campus are all fascinating aspects that shape their daily routine. This curiosity struck me when I overheard Mr. Polizano and Dr. Bates mention their commutes, each exceeding an hour’s drive. I had no idea that so many faculty members took such long trips to campus. Whether sitting in standstill traffic, hopping on multiple trains, or walking through New York’s harsh winters, their commitment to reaching Poly highlights their dedication not only to teaching but also to being a part of our community.
Poly faculty live in a wide range of locations, with some residing just 0.8 miles from campus while others travel over 45 miles. Commute times vary from under 10 minutes to over an hour and a half each way. Our faculty isn’t limited to Brooklyn—or even New York City—with many commuting from Long Island and some from New Jersey. The modes of transportation they use are just as varied. Some use bikes and scooters or take the train or subway. For instance, Benjamin Farrar, a computer science teacher, starts his commute by taking the Metro North, transfers to the subway, and then scooters from the subway station to Poly. His journey lasts over an hour and a half each way, demonstrating some of the dedication and effort many of our teachers invest just to arrive at school.
Transportation costs quickly add up, no matter the method. While the subway is seen as an affordable option, a daily round trip over the school year can still cost faculty more than $1,000. Art teacher Paola Ligonde suggests a possible solution: “Poly should support train commuters by supplying MetroCards at a discount.” For those who drive, the financial strain is even higher, with rising gas prices and tolls. In New York City, owning a car is a luxury in itself, and the challenge of finding parking only increases the burden.
The vast and beautiful nature of our campus comes with a trade-off: it isn’t very close to many subway lines. The nearest options, the 86th Street Station and the 95th Street Station, both serve only the R-line, limiting transit options. The 86th Street Station is over a 15-minute walk from campus, while the 95th Street Station is about 10 minutes away. Although these stations aren’t extremely far, the limited access to subway lines complicates routes, often making commutes less convenient.
Our teachers’ commutes tell a story of dedication that often goes unnoticed. Each day, they journey from all corners—whether it’s a quick bike ride, a winding subway route, or a long drive across state lines—all to be here with us at Poly Prep. It’s easy to overlook the time and effort they invest just to reach our campus, but it reflects something special about their commitment to our community.
