District 5
District 5 is located in the heart of Harlem, bounded roughly by the Hudson River at 122nd Street to the west, stretching east in a jagged corridor up to the East River at 155th Street. The district is culturally rich, reflecting Harlem’s legacy as a cradle of Black art, activism, and education. Many schools here work actively to incorporate culturally responsive lessons.
Several schools in District 5 are notable for their distinctive histories or educational approaches.
Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School (K-5) focuses on leadership development and literacy through a justice-oriented lens.
Teachers College Community School (Pre-K-8) is a collaboration with Columbia University that offers a progressive, child-centered approach.
P.S. 125, The Ralph Bunche School (Pre-K-5), named after the Nobel Peace Prize-winning diplomat, offers a dual language Spanish program and has long served families in the neighborhood.
View all District 5 elementary schools here and middle schools here.
District 5 Contacts
Who to contact:
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 5 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.
