Student Life
Academics
Our Curriculum
We provide a rigorous academic program for grades PreK – 5 to prepare students for success in middle school, high school, and beyond. We use a hands-on, inquiry-based approach called Project-Based Learning (PBL). Each 6- to 8-week unit incorporates reading and English/language arts, science, social studies, and math in the context of engaging, real-world ideas. The units are tied to New York State learning standards and to our magnet theme of innovation, exploration & engineering, with a strong focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Every unit ends with a student-directed final project, allowing students to develop critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills along with mastering academics.
Beyond the PBL units, students also have dedicated periods devoted to phonics, guided reading, and math each day. Students have 2 periods of physical education and 2 periods of art instruction each week. Art is also integrated into the core curriculum.
PBL Grade K
- Needs of Plants and Animals
- Pushes and Pulls
- Sunlight and Weather
PBL Grade 1
- Animal and Plant Defenses
- Light and Sound
- Spinning Earth
PBL Grade 2
- Plant and Animal Relationships
- Properties of Materials
- Changing Landforms
PBL Grade 3
- Balancing Forces
- Inheritance and Traits
- Environments and Survival
- Weather and Climate
PBL Grade 4
- Energy and Conversions
- Vision and Light
- Earth’s Features
- Waves, Energy, and Information
PBL Grade 5
- Patterns of Earth and Sky
- Modeling Matter
- The Earth System
- Ecosystem Restoration
Academic Supports
We provide ample support to help all students succeed with our project-based curriculum, including students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), English Language Learners (ELLs), and other students with special needs. Our teachers work to understand each student’s individual needs and learning style and provide supports to help every child master the grade-level standards.
We offer both inclusion classrooms and individualized instruction for students in our Special Education (SPED) program, depending on their needs. In addition, we offer students:
- In-school academic support for students struggling in reading or math using a Response to Intervention (RTI) model
- After-school homework help
- A sensory room for students with sensory processing difficulties
In The Classroom
Student Clubs
Our dedicated staff goes above and beyond to provide enrichment activities that extend learning beyond the school day! Our after-school clubs give students the opportunity to develop friendships, learn new skills beyond our academic programs, and just have fun. Programs include:
- Arts and Crafts
- Chess
- Drama
- Sports
- Homework Help
- GIRLS with PEARLS
After-School Programs
We offer an after-school program for students who need to extend their time here beyond the school day. The after-school program is open daily from 2:40 to 5:00 p.m. The program is free, but space is limited; ask at the office for availability. Students in the after-school program participate in:
- Homework help
- Art
- Drama
- STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities
Pre-K Program
Our Pre-K program is open to all students who will turn four during the school year. We have a full-day program for preschoolers with fun activities and an age-appropriate academic curriculum to prepare them for kindergarten success. Learn more about Pre-K enrollment.
We will offer 3-K classes for three-year-olds starting in September 2020. All NYC families with children born in 2017 can apply to 3-K for All between February 5 and April 24, 2020.
Character Education
We are committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for all students and nurturing positive peer relationships. We have partnered with Cloud9World for Character Education and Social-Emotional Learning. In addition, we use a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model with a point system to promote positive behaviors. Students earn points that they can redeem to participate in fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities.
Cloud9World: Cloud9World is an integrated social-emotional and literacy-based program that utilizes character strengths to teach social-emotional skills. The program is about the acquisition and strengthening of character and the capacity to make wise choices for a well-rounded life and a thriving society. Character traits include: Acceptance, Citizenship, Cooperation, Empathy, Forgiveness, Hope, Humbleness, Inclusion, Integrity, Leadership, Patience, Respect, Self-Control, and Unity
Family Health
Our school supports the whole child and whole family—and that includes physical health! In addition to regular physical education classes, students participate in the “Move-to-Improve” program, which infuses movement throughout the school day. We also offer:
- After-school sports programs
- Champs & BOKS Early Morning Fitness program
- Healthy, plant-based snacks
- A yoga program open to families - Coming soon!
- Vision screening through the DOH Student Vision Screening Program
- Dental screening through the Smile Dental Screening for Students Program
- Participation in the “Family Health Challenge” through CIERU
Partnerships
We have partnered with local and national organizations to enrich our students’ learning experiences. These partners support our programs, enable our students to participate in fun and meaningful field trips, and provide additional experiences related to our “Innovation, Exploration & Engineering” theme.
- Champs & BOKS Early Morning Fitness program
- Cultural After-School Adventures (CASA)
- Dance Theater of Harlem
- Family Health Challenge (CIERU)
- Innovation, Exploration, & Engineering After School
- Practice Makes Perfect
- Salvadori Learning Center
- United We OM