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P.S. 89 Liberty School

Grades: Pre-K, K-5
Staff Pick Staff Pick for Special Ed
201 Warren Street
Manhattan NY 10282
Phone: 212-571-5659

Our Insights

What’s Special

High-performing neighborhood school in a comfortable, modern building

The Downside

Some instruction is one-size-fits-all

At the heart of PS 89, The Liberty School, are the big social studies and science investigations that take place in the fall and spring. These explorations of urban farm markets, the five boroughs of New York City, or the Revolutionary War, help "even the playing field for all kids," according to experienced principal Veronica Najjar. "It brings kids together in a way just having a strong reading program does not. Learning, wondering, inquiring, asking questionsit gives everyone that equal chance."

First-graders make about eight trips to urban farm markets in Union Square and Tribeca. There they spot honey, leading them to a conversation with beekeepers, and taste ramps and goat cheese. They notice wool, meat products and root vegetables. They pickle asparagus and cucumbers, and preserve carrots and fruit. At the end of the unit they hold a busy farm market in the schoolyard. Second-graders study birds in the same rich, all-encompassing way; 3rd-graders delve into the history of New Amsterdam, dressing up as tradesmen of old, and visiting Wyckoff House in Flatbush. Fourth-graders study the American Revolution. Fifth-graders explore Westward expansion.

A 2015 Quality Review by the Department of Education pointed out that the school could do more to consistently challenge all children to their full potential, especially high-achieving students. "In most cases, all students worked on the same tasks with no visible modifications for the most struggling or accelerated learners," the reviewer wrote. Najjar, principal since 1998, says a goal for staff is to find ways for kids to "make their learning a little bit deeper." Nonetheless, test scores are high, and parents and teachers almost unanimously recommend the school, according to school surveys.

The school is housed in a modern, comfortable building in Battery Park City with a beautiful cafeteria, gym, library, dance studio, art studio, and science room. It shares the building with IS 289, which takes up the top floors. Classrooms are large, and each has a sink and ample storage.

SPECIAL EDUCATION:The school serves children with speech, language and developmental delays in ICT (integrated co-teaching) classes. In these classes, children with special needs are taught in the same class as general education pupils, with two teachers, one of whom is certified in special education.

ADMISSIONS:Zoned neighborhood school.(Lydie Raschka, interview and DOE data,August 2016)

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School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Is this school safe and well-run?

From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey

How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
100%
82% Citywide Average

From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card

How many students were suspended?
0%
1% Citywide Average

From this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Are teachers effective?

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
89%
84% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
24.1

How do students perform academically?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
92%
53% Citywide Average
How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
83%
50% Citywide Average

What is the Pre-K like?

From the NYC Program Assessment (CLASS and ECERS-R) Database through 2019-2020

Instruction: Teachers ask kids to explain their reasoning when they solve problems
Activities: Children explore art, music, sand/water, dramatic play and more
Language: Teachers talk and listen to kids in a supportive way
Interaction: Teachers ask kids good questions and invite back-and-forth conversation

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
340
Asian
21%
Black
2%
Hispanic
11%
White
54%
Other
12%
Free or reduced priced lunch
5%
Students with disabilities
16%
English language learners
4%
Pre-K seats
35

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
93%
90% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
22%
40% Citywide Average

From the 2020 School Directories

How does this school serve special populations?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
75%
30% Citywide Average
How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
61%
23% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
0%
21% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
0%
12% Citywide Average


For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Contact & Location

Location

Financial District (District 2)
Trains: R Line, W Line to City Hall; E Line to World Trade Center; 4 Line, 5 Line, J Line, Z Line to Fulton St; 1 Line, 2 Line, 3 Line, A Line, C Line to Chambers St
Buses: M20, M22, M5, M9

Contact

Principal
Veronica Najjar
Parent Coordinator
Constanc Schraft

Other Details

Shared campus?
Yes
This school shares a building with IS 289
Metal detectors?
No

Zone for the 2019-2020 school year. Call school to confirm.

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