PS 290 Manhattan New School - New York, NY

Manhattan New School (MNS) is a progressive neighborhood school on the Upper East Side of New York City, a community that infuses a vibrant social emotional curriculum with rigorous academics. We pride ourselves on taking the whole child into consideration, thinking about a child's natural curiosity while encouraging perseverance, agency, and independence. The dynamic partnership between families, staff, and students coupled with the collaborative efforts of teachers, staff developers, and administration has helped to create an engaged and supportive community.

The development of critical thinking skills is paramount to all of our students' academic experiences with the goal of developing an informed group of global citizens. Students at MNS have multiple opportunities to investigate the big ideas, ask questions, and consistently reflect on their own learning. Kids are excited, engaged, and eager about exploration and learning. Staff members go the extra mile to supplement the curriculum, providing every student, regardless of their different level of skills, the same learning opportunities.

A growth mindset philosophy has guided our practice with the belief that our students learn to view challenges as opportunities for exploration and growth. Mindfulness and gratitude are practiced each week during our whole-school Mindful Monday Check-Ins and Monthly Mindful Read Alouds. All of these rituals and routines are embedded in every classroom and throughout the curriculum to create a climate of warmth, inclusion, and safety for all students to take risks and feel a sense of belonging.