OUR MISSION STATEMENT

- INDEPENDENCE every child counts

A curriculum built on rigorous standards that take different learning styles into account.

P.S. 3 provides children with a vibrant learning environment that nurtures their intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth. Children learn through hands-on involvement with subjects and materials that are connected to the world around them. Teachers and staff members at P.S. 3 actively encourage children to take initiative, be resourceful, and show independence and discernment in their classroom work. At P.S. 3, children collaborate and communicate with fellow students of all ages. Our mission at P.S. 3 is to encourage all children to become confident and self-motivated lifelong learners, as well as to inspire them to become compassionate human beings.

- INNOVATION in the classroom

An integrated arts curriculum fosters creative thinking, scientific curiosity and a love of learning.

At P.S. 3, the integrated arts curriculum teaches children to examine their world from a broader perspective, deepening their academic curiosity and love of learning. Teachers meet regularly to exchange ideas on the best learning tools and practices. By maintaining a responsive educational model, teachers are able to provide instruction and support that corresponds to students' individual learning styles. The teachers at P.S. 3 place a high value on academic standards, while honoring the diverse approaches, backgrounds, and contexts that students require to learn and grow successfully.

- COMMUNITY matters

Demonstrating democracy in action: children, parents, teachers, administration and the community-at-large create the values of the school together.

Respect for the individuality of each child and for the well being of the community are central to the school's teaching philosophy. The concept of community is a central message that we share with the children of P.S. 3. Our daily collaboration as parents, teachers and administrators serves as an example to the students, who learn the power of working together as a group with shared goals. As well, children learn to value the unique insights and contributions of each member of our community. Our school considers bias-free learning and respect for others as the foundation for a meaningful education. Finally, children at P.S. 3 develop the capacity to embrace a greater understanding of the world, to celebrate difference and to strive to be of service to local and global communities.

OUR CORE VALUES:

INNOVATION IN THE CLASSROOM
PS3’s integrated arts curriculum fosters creative thinking, scientific curiosity and a love of learning.

INDEPENDENCE – EVERY CHILD COUNTS
PS3’s curriculum is built on high academic standards while taking into account the learning styles of our students.

COMMUNITY MATTERS
We demonstrate democracy in action: parents, teachers, administration and the community at large collaborate to translate the values of the school into real world practice.

WHAT MAKES PS3 STAND OUT?

PS 3 ACADEMICS

• Rigorous and innovative curricula that meet NY State Academic Standards
• Math coach provides teacher and student support 
• Literacy coach provides teacher and student support
• Science and Artists in Residence program (SAIR) funds special academic events
• Partnership with NYU Teaching Program
• Author Mentors
• 75% of our students get their 1st or 2nd choice for middle school
• 79% of our students scored 3-4 on NYS Math exam
• 75% of our students scored 3-4 on NYS ELA exam
• ICT (Special Education) classes on each grade level, 2 teachers with each class
• Teachers and staff who stay on top of the latest educational developments.

PS 3 ARTS

• Uses an Integrated Arts Curriculum to infuse the academics into all of the arts
• Visual Arts Teacher
• Clay Teacher and Clay studio with two kilns
• Two music teachers
• Two dance teachers and two dance studios
• Partnership with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater
• Partnership with the Whitney Museum
• Heath teacher awarded Blackboard Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Field trips on every grade

PS3 Community

• Active parent community that easily collaborates with teachers and administration
• Events have included the annual Antiquarian Book Fair, the Spring Fling and the Auction For the Arts.