P.S. 30 Wilton

PS 30 Wilton in Mott Haven offers music and dance, and has one class per grade offering a dual-language program, designed to make children fluent in both English and Spanish. The program begins in pre-K where teachers ask children questions, invite back-and-forth conversation, and make use of books, puppets and blocks to build language skills. 

The arts program centers around world music to make children aware of different cultures. It includes a glee club, a dance group, African drumming and a Latin jazz ensemble. In addition to two music teachers on staff, several teachers volunteer their time to conduct arts program before and after school, according to the Arts in Schools Report. 

The school has partnerships with social service organizations, such as New York Food Bank, to provide families with food and academic supplies. An organization called Empire offers an after-school program which includes arts, science and technology.  Lunch-time clubs focus on such activities as  photography, cheerleading, step, percussion, basketball and science, 

Despite such efforts, the school struggles with low academic performance, particularly in math and among English language learners. A Saturday academy provides academic help to children who need it. Attendance is also a problem with well over a third of children missing 18 or more school days a year.

Debra Michaux has been principal since 2010. PS 30 shares its building with the American Dream Charter School, which also features a dual-language program. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION: PS 30 has self-contained classes for children with special needs, as well as team-teaching classes with a mix of general and special education students.

ADMISSIONS: The school accepts students from throughout the city with priority going to those who live in District 7 or who have siblings in the school. There is a separate application for the  dual language program. (Gail Robinson, from DOE reports, June 2020)