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The school received a D on its most recent progress report and has a graduation rate of 33 percent.

The Department of Education says the biggest problem is that students just do not choose to enroll in the school, which currently has 2,200 students and 200 teachers.

Teachers and students told NY1 that they were disappointed, but not surprised, by the news.

"They are hard working kids," said teacher Justo Foriano. "But, for some reason, we're not getting results. The main reason, in my mind, is that the school isn't student-centered."

"It's not that great of a school," said a student. "Academically, it's okay, but it could be better."

"Kids are like 19 years old and they're still juniors," said another.

City Councilwoman Gail Brewer, who represents the district, accused the DOE of making a snap decision based on poor information.

"They have no history of being in the building. They don't know the neighborhood," said Brewer. "I don't think this is the right approach."

The majority of students at Brandeis, which opened in 1965, are black and Latino and reside outside the school district. Many are special education students or speak English as a Second Language.

Brewer said the school's principal faces adversity like few others.

"The problem is that she gets many, many students reading way below level," she said. "It's very hard to get a student who may not speak English or who writes in another language, to be able to graduate Regeants in four years."

The councilwoman believes that giving students more years to graduate would make the school's rating increase. However, the DOE says that even when incorporating those who graduate in six years, the graduation rate is still only slightly more than 50 percent.

The Department of Education plans to open three smaller schools in its place.

Brandeis is the 15th public school this year to be closed.