Our educational philosophy is built upon three key pillars: inspiring and educational experiences, a robust academic curriculum, and meaningful, supportive relationships.
PS 282 goes beyond teaching core subjects like Math, English, and Science. We strive to ignite a passion for learning in every student. Recognizing that each child has unique learning styles and interests, we blend rigorous academics with experiential learning to provide a real-world context for core subjects, fostering deeper understanding and enthusiasm.
We believe that the cornerstone of exceptional education is not just excellent classrooms but also a strong, nurturing community. While test scores serve as a baseline for measuring certain types of progress, they don’t capture the full spectrum of a child’s development or the effectiveness of a class or school. Therefore, our focus isn’t on improving standardized test scores. Instead, we prioritize creating dynamic classroom environments and a comprehensive support system that promotes lifelong learning and growth.
To support this work, we leverage research-based programs, teachers’ wealth of experience, and embed identity and perspective using curriculum as tools.
Literacy & Writing
PS 282 bases its approach to literacy on a variety of texts, including: Expeditionary Learning to meaningfully engage students in reading and writing with purpose; FUNdations; Heggarty, Phonics for Reading; and REWARDS as phonemic based curriculum to support students’ literacy development across the grades.
Mathematics
PS 282 leverages the Illustrative Math program, commonly referred to as Singapore Math, and we continue to build upon this innovative approach to teaching math that helps students master problem-solving skills aligned to the Next Generation Learning Standards. It is an integrated curriculum that provides students with activities to reinforce and extend their understanding of the material.
Science
Our Science department strives to have teachers develop effective hands-on inquiry that involves a series of steps that build students’ investigative skills (i.e., observation, questioning, experimental design, data analysis, explanation, and reflection).
Social Studies
PS 282 offers a challenging curriculum for Social Studies called Passport to Social Studies. The Passport to Social Studies program is a comprehensive instructional resource that integrates the Common Core Learning Standards and the New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework to support strong social studies teaching and learning.
Physical Education
Students learn various gross motor skills while participating in activities designed to promote the wellness of body and mind. Students practice movement techniques, teamwork through team building, and competitive activities while learning about the importance of health, nutrition and physical fitness. We also have two sensory gyms and a Sensory Exploration Education Discovery (SEED) room, run by Occupational and Physical Therapists one day after school and on Saturdays to assist with Executive Functioning.
Technology
At PS 282, technology is part of supporting a well-balanced education. Students learn about how to use technology to get information for learning, as well as apply coding applications to gain exposure to more advanced computer science.