District 4 serves the community of East Harlem, stretching from East 96th Street to East 125th Street, and also includes Ward’s Island and Randall’s Island. This district is known for its vibrant cultural mix, and is home to generations of Hispanic families.

PS 171, Patrick Henry is a well-regarded K-8 school. It has a formal tone with uniforms and orderly hallways, and the atmosphere is warm and supportive.

Central Park East I Pre-K-5) founded in 1974 by Deborah Meier, was a pioneer in progressive education, offering hands-on learning and mixed-age classes long before it became widely popular. It's a school that values creativity, exploration, and independent thinking over standardized testing. Central Park East II (3-K-8), also in District 4, follows the same approach.

View all District 4 elementary schools here and middle schools here. 

District 4 Contacts

Enrollment:

To enroll your child, go to the school or the nearest Family Welcome Center, not the district office.

Family Welcome Center 

Community Education Council:

District 4 office

Special Education:

Most questions about special education can be answered by your child's teacher or principal. If you are new to New York City or your child attends private or parochial school, contact the nearest Committee on Special Education for an evaluation.

Committee on Special Education