Nestled at the intersection of Williamsburg and Bushwick, it serves many diverse communities and stewards a massive student body. It's also “the chess school."

IS 318 isn’t just a school with a chess team—it’s THE chess school. Home to the most decorated middle school chess team in the country, IS 318’s players have won countless national titles, including being the only middle school to ever win the High School Nationals. The team was featured in the award-winning documentary Brooklyn Castle.

Led by world-renowned coach Elizabeth Spiegel, the program is grounded in the belief that dedication and effort lead to success—on and off the board. Students learn persistence, critical thinking, planning, and discipline through rigorous training and competition.

While our students dominate in chess, they are never defined solely by it. Over 95% of team members earn spots on the school’s highest academic honor roll. They serve in student government, play on the baseball team, perform in IS 318’s award-winning music programs, compete in robotics, and volunteer in the community. They come from all over Brooklyn, reflecting the diversity and drive that define IS 318.