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P.S. 205 Alexander Graham Bell
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Queens NY 11364
Our Insights
What’s Special
Small school with lively science program
The Downside
Limited special education services
Small classes, supportive parents, and experienced teachers combine to make PS 205 a successful neighborhood school. Classrooms are cheerful and well-equipped and the school has a lively science program.
Its a small school, and we reach all of our kids, said Karen Scott-Piazza, principal since 2008. No one gets lost. I know every child. I know all their families. The school is small enough that everyone can eat lunch at oncerather than having staggered lunch periods, as is common at larger schools. Classes range in size from 24 to 27.
Scott, formerly assistant principal at MS 158, was a math major in college, and the school has a well thought-out approach to math instruction. There is a good balance between lessons that focus on arithmetic drills and those that stress a conceptual understanding of math.
Reading and social studies are integrated as part of the Core Knowledge curriculum. Children may read books on topics such as Aesops Fables, Greek mythology, Westward Expansion or the human body.
A full-time science teacher offers classes once or twice a week to all grades. In a project called Tomatosphere, children grow tomato seeds that the Canadian Space Agency prepares in conditions designed to simulate those on a trip to Mars. PS 205 is one of several thousand schools that contribute data to the space agencys project studying the feasibility of growing edible plants on long journeys in space.
Twice a year, 5th graders go to Alley Pond Environmental Center. They may bring back tadpoles and watch them grow into frogs, or look at water samples under a microscope to learn what makes a healthy pond.
Children have computer lessons once a week and music twice a week. There is no full-time art teacher, although visiting artists from Studio in a School work on art projects with the children.
Special education: The school offers Special Education Teacher Support Services and has a part-time speech therapist but other services are limited.
Admissions: PS 205 is a zoned, neighborhood school. (Clara Hemphill, October 2013)
Read moreSchool Stats
Is this school safe and well-run?
From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey
From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card
From this school's most recent Quality Review Report
From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide
How do students perform academically?
From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database
What is the Pre-K like?
From the NYC Program Assessment (CLASS and ECERS-R) Database through 2019-2020
Who does this school serve?
From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot
From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide
From the 2020 School Directories
How does this school serve special populations?
From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database
Contact & Location
Location
Contact
Other Details
Zone for the 2019-2020 school year. Call school to confirm.
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