BENJAMIN HONOROFF
MS 50
New York City Community School District 14
Benjamin Honoroff, principal of MS 50: The Magnet School for Debate and Youth Leadership in Brooklyn, NY, has been recognized as the Region 1 Principal of the Year. Under his leadership, MS 50 has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a struggling school with declining enrollment to one of the most sought-after middle schools in District 14.
Since taking the helm, Honoroff has embedded the school’s debate and leadership theme into every aspect of instruction, resulting in a remarkable increase in student achievement. Proficiency rates have soared from single digits to 67% in ELA and 75% in math. The school’s debate program, now the largest middle school debate team in New York City, has won over 20 city-wide tournaments, seven city championships, and even made history as the first team to compete at nationals in a language other than English.
Honoroff’s vision extends beyond competition—he has cultivated a school culture that empowers students to use their voices for social change. From bilingual debate teams to city-wide elementary debate tournaments, he has ensured that public speaking and leadership opportunities are accessible to all students, regardless of background or language.
“Our mission is not just to win debates,” Honoroff shared. “It’s to equip students with the skills to be leaders for peace and justice in the world.”
Through data-driven instruction, professional development initiatives, and a commitment to equity, Honoroff has positioned MS 50 as a model for magnet schools nationwide.
Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
