Families

Muscota's early history is tied to parent activism and involvement.

Muscota New School was formed in 1993 by a group of teachers and parents from Washington Heights and Inwood who sought to create a progressive school option in District 6 which did not exist at the time. This small group of educators and activists had a vision for creating a school where children could come together with a desire to make sense of the world in a creative and nurturing environment.

Now 20 years later, parents at our school are still integral to working towards the original vision and mission of Muscota. Muscota parents have successfully lobbied for money for capital renovations of our playground and auditorium, raised money to bring back a music program and to supplement our science curriculum, and started our own Muscota After School Program. Muscota parents step in as lunch and recess helpers, lead specialized mini-lessons in the classroom, and sit on hiring committees. The level and quality of parent involvement at Muscota is truly unique.