PS 241, also called the Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Institute, has lots of hands on science projects, thanks to a federal magnet grant designed to attract a more diverse student body.

The tiny school serves a very needy population, including a large number of children receiving special education services and new immigrants learning English. Test scores are low and some teachers say there are problems with order and discipline, according to the Learning Environment Survey. 

Nonetheless, the magnet coordinator for the STEM Institute has put in place an engaging science program that offers children the chance to collect and classify rocks; learn about earthquakes by making their own cardboard and mud models; or study the motion of tornadoes by swirling liquid in plastic soda bottles. [See the promotional video made by the school and posted on this page.] PS 241 was formerly known as the Family Academy and renamed when it won the magnet grant in 2011. 

The building also houses Harlem Success Academy 4 and Opportunity Charter and there are conflicts over how the space is shared, according to Noah Gotbaum, a member of the Community Education Council for District 3. As Harlem Success has expanded, the STEM children have been moved from one floor to another. For a time, they were placed in a basement room next to the boiler room, he said. The population of  PS 241 has steadily decreased from 481 in 2006 to barely 100 in 2012-2013.

Special education: The school has various special education services, including self-contained classes.

Admissions: Neighborhood school. Children from outside the zone may apply to through the magnet program. The school has regular tours for prospective parents. Check the website for dates. (Clara Hemphill, web reports and interview, January 2013)