Curriculum

LITERACY

PS75 uses the Teachers College Reading and Writing curriculum and classes dedicate a minimum of 90 minutes each day to reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Early exposure to the writing process helps all of our students become authors, proud to publish their work. Balanced readings in both works of fiction and non-fiction support the Common Core curriculum.

MATH

We use the Envisions curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core. Our children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills at an early age and understand the concepts of numbers.​ Students use math manipulatives and engage in math talks with their partners and in small groups.

SOCIAL STUDIES

PS75 uses Passport for Social Studies. Each grade explores a social studies theme, which is integrated with the reading, writing, art and music curricula. Study of the neighborhood and city, for example, includes walking tours and interviews with local shopkeepers. Grades 3 -5 participate in the Curriculum Arts Project (CAP) provided by Symphony Space.

SCIENCE

PS75 has two dedicated science labs (one for grades K-2, one for grades 3-5) and grades 1-5 receive twice-weekly science instruction. Our curriculum prepares children to ask scientific questions, through an inquiry-based, hands-on exploration of the life, physical and earth sciences.

The PS75 visual art program is rich and exciting and all students receive art once a week. The skills and content always involve multiple entry points and build on the previous grade. The curriculum encourages higher order thinking and problem-solving to teach the Studio Habits of Mind as a work ethic to approach not only art making but visual literacy. Events throughout the year showcase student artwork.

All students from K-5 receive music instruction weekly. They study musical traditions and themes from around the world in connection with our social studies curriculum. Keyboards, strings and band instruction are available for all students as part of our robust, on-site after school program. Children in the upper grades have the opportunity to participate in the school-wide chorus through a satellite program of the award winning Young-People’s Chorus of New York City.

Students in grades 1-5 attend Theater once a week. Students advance from teacher-directed activities to projects in which they demonstrate independent thought and action within the larger group structure. All units are linked to both NY State and NY City Blueprint Arts Standards, which stress creating, performing, responding and connecting. Select students have the opportunity to rehearse and perform theatrical pieces for both Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month.

Our school has two full-time physical education teachers, a large gym, and two separate outdoor playgrounds that offer safe, age-appropriate equipment and athletic activities. Children participate in physical education two times per week. Classroom teachers also have been trained in the “Move to Improve” program. This program recognizes that movement is good for the mind, and teachers are encouraged to give their children “fitness breaks” throughout the day in the classroom.