Learning at P.S. 1
Where Leadership, Creativity, and Learning Come Together
At P.S. 1 The School of Leadership and Creativity, we believe every child has the potential to learn, lead, create, and succeed.
Our students engage in meaningful learning experiences that build strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity, confidence, collaboration, and independence. Through engaging instruction, hands-on exploration, and a supportive school community, students develop the skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
We are committed to helping every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally while developing a lifelong love of learning.
What Learning Looks Like at P.S. 1
📚 Strong Foundations
Students build essential reading, writing, and mathematics skills that prepare them for future success.
💡 Critical Thinking
Students ask questions, solve problems, and explore ideas through meaningful and engaging learning experiences.
🤝 Collaboration
Students learn to communicate effectively, work together, and learn from one another.
🎨 Creativity
Students are encouraged to think creatively, express themselves, and approach learning with curiosity and imagination.
🌟 Leadership
Students develop confidence, responsibility, independence, and the skills needed to become leaders in their school and community.
Growing Through Every Grade
Pre-K
Discovering the Joy of Learning
Our youngest learners build language, literacy, social, and emotional skills through hands-on learning experiences, play, exploration, and collaboration.
Students develop:
- Early literacy skills
- Language development
- Social skills
- Independence
- Creativity and curiosity
- Problem-solving skills
Kindergarten Through Grade 2
Building Strong Foundations
Students strengthen their reading, writing, and mathematics skills while developing confidence as independent learners.
Students learn to:
- Read with increasing fluency
- Communicate ideas through writing
- Solve mathematical problems
- Work collaboratively with peers
- Ask questions and explore new concepts
Grades 3 Through 5
Becoming Independent Thinkers
Students deepen their understanding of academic content while strengthening critical thinking and communication skills.
Students are challenged to:
- Analyze information
- Solve complex problems
- Conduct research and investigations
- Collaborate on projects
- Express ideas clearly and confidently
As students move toward middle school, they take greater ownership of their learning and leadership.
Literacy
Building Confident Readers and Writers
Reading and writing are at the heart of learning at P.S. 1.
Our literacy instruction helps students develop strong foundational skills while fostering a love of reading, writing, speaking, and learning.
Students learn to:
- Read with confidence and understanding
- Build vocabulary and language skills
- Write for different purposes and audiences
- Express ideas clearly
- Participate in meaningful discussions
- Think critically about what they read
Our literacy programs include:
Heggerty (Pre-K - Grade 1)
Students develop phonemic awareness through engaging activities that help them hear, identify, and manipulate sounds in spoken language.
Fundations® (Kindergarten - Grade 3)
Students receive structured instruction in phonics, spelling, handwriting, and foundational literacy skills.
HMH Into Reading (Kindergarten - Grade 5)
Students engage with literature and informational texts while developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Mathematics
Developing Confident Problem-Solvers
At P.S. 1, students learn mathematics through exploration, discussion, and real-world problem-solving.
We encourage students to think deeply, explain their reasoning, and persevere when faced with challenges.
Students develop:
- Number sense
- Mathematical reasoning
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Confidence in mathematics
Through meaningful learning experiences, students learn that mathematics is not just about finding answers, but understanding how and why those answers work.
Illustrative Mathematics (IM®)
Our mathematics program provides students with opportunities to explore concepts, collaborate with classmates, and build deep mathematical understanding.
Dual Language Program
Learning in English and Spanish
Our Dual Language Program provides students with the opportunity to become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally responsive learners.
Students learn academic content in both English and Spanish while developing strong language and literacy skills in each language.
Benefits of dual language learning include:
- Biliteracy development
- Bilingual communication skills
- Enhanced cognitive flexibility
- Appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives
- Preparation for success in a multilingual world
Our Dual Language Program utilizes HMH ¡Arriba la Lectura! and Aprendo Leyendo to support literacy development in Spanish.
Science
Discovering the World Through Inquiry and Exploration
Science comes alive when students ask questions, investigate ideas, and explore the world around them.
Through hands-on learning experiences, students learn to think like scientists and engineers.
Students:
- Conduct investigations
- Analyze evidence
- Develop explanations
- Design solutions
- Work collaboratively
- Communicate findings
We encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking as students explore scientific concepts and real-world problems.
Amplify Science
Our science curriculum engages students in inquiry-based learning that fosters exploration and discovery.
Social Studies
Understanding Our Communities and Our World
Social studies helps students understand the people, places, events, and ideas that shape our world.
Students explore:
- Communities and citizenship
- Geography and culture
- History and influential people
- Civic responsibility
- Diversity and inclusion
- Connections between the past and present
Through discussion, research, and inquiry, students learn to become informed, thoughtful, and responsible members of their communities.
Passport to Social Studies
Students engage in meaningful learning experiences that help them better understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Families as Partners
Working Together for Student Success
We know that families play an important role in every child's educational journey.
By working together, we create the strongest possible foundation for student growth and achievement.
Families can support learning at home by:
- Reading together every day
- Talking about learning experiences
- Encouraging curiosity and questions
- Practicing math in everyday situations
- Celebrating effort, growth, and achievement
When schools and families work together, students thrive.
Every Child Is a Learner. Every Child Is a Leader.
At P.S. 1 The School of Leadership and Creativity, we are committed to helping every student feel challenged, supported, valued, and inspired.
Together, we nurture the knowledge, skills, confidence, and creativity students need to succeed today and in the future.
We invite you to discover all that P.S. 1 has to offer.
Beyond the Classroom
Learning That Extends Beyond Academics
At P.S. 1, we believe learning happens in many ways.
Students are provided opportunities to develop creativity, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through a variety of enriching experiences that complement classroom learning.
These opportunities help students discover their interests, build confidence, and develop important life skills.
