P.S. 33 Chelsea Prep

The enrollment of PS 33 has more than doubled in the past decade, a sign of its growing popularity. The school once served mostly low-income children from nearby housing projects, but now attracts children from townhouses nearby as well as children from across District 2.

The school has a gifted program, open to children who score in the 90th percentile on the exam administered by the city, as well as a general education program for anyone who lives in the attendance zone. Some parents say the programs seem to be divided by race and class: The gifted program has mostly middle-class white and Asian children, while the general education classes have mostly working-class blacks and Latinos.

Kids from the different programs take trips together to museums or the zoo as a way to build community, and the quality of teaching is strong throughout. The city rated PS 33 "well developed" (the highest ranking) on its Quality Review. The school has made progress closing the so-called achievement gap between rich and poor, the review said. Teachers encourage children to work both independently and collaboratively, to become resilient, and to develop work habits needed to succeed in college.

Private money raised from parents, corporate donors and granst is used to run the school's robotics program and to pay for instrumental music, chous, dance and theater. Fifth graderes were national chess champions in 2016. 

Student teachers assist classroom teachers in most classes, offering individual help to children. A recess coach uses music, songs, and games to help children learn how to develop self-regulation skills during their free time. New York University provides psychology interns who work closely with students with special needs. There are teaching assistants in grades K-2.

Cindy Wang became principal in 2015, replacing longtime principal Linore Lindy.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: There are two small classrooms for children with serious disabilities. On every grade, there is one team-teaching class that mixes up to 12 children with special needs into general classes. The school offers a variety of other services, such as speech and occupational therapy, depending on students' needs.

ADMISSIONS: Neighborhood school. Admissions to G&T is based on education department standards. The school offers spring tours. (Clara Hemphill, DOE data, August 2016)