M.S. 324 - Patria Mirabal

MS 324 shares a bright and colorful building with KIPP Academy Washington Heights and MS 319.  Carlos Guzman, a former assistant prinicipal at MS 322, became principal in January 2018 after MS 324's longtime and founding principal, Janet Heller, retired.

Sixth grade classrooms have an elementary school feel, with colorful rugs and comfortable chairs that create cozy spaces for reading and socializing. The 7th and 8th grade classrooms are more traditional.  “The purpose is to provide a smooth transition for incoming students, but at the same time, providing a mature environment to prepare students for high school and beyond,” Guzman said in an email.

In the Recycle a Bike program, students learn how to repair and design bicycles. Columbia University provides math tutors and support for a debate team. The New York Road Runners supports the track team, according to the school's Comprehensive Educational Plan.

The school serves a wide range of children, including many Spanish-speaking immigrants and children who receive special education services. Test scores are below average in reading, partly because so many children are learning English.

Special education: MS 324 offers speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adaptive physical education, counseling, vision and hearing services, assistive technology supports, team teaching and self-contained classes as well as a program for students with cognitive disabilities.

Admissions: District 6 choice. (Clara Hemphill, web reports and email with principal, June 2019)