The school is named in honor of William Cullen Bryant, an American romantic poet, journalist, and long-time editor of the New York Evening Post.

He is most known for his work as one of the creators of Central Park in Manhattan, New York.

[2] In 2017, New York City Department of Education gave it a in-general school rating of Proficient.

[4] John T. Woodruff was awarded a $169,874 contract (equivalent to $5,980,000 in 2023) to build the school.

[6] Bryant moved to its current site on 31st Ave in 1939, and the former building became Long Island City High School.