Pugsley Preparatory Academy

Blueprint Middle School (MS 562) is located in the Parkchester area of the Bronx. Founded in 2012 inside JHS 125, the two schools combined into one middle school in 2018.  The name Blueprint reflects the school’s vision to provide a unique academic blueprint for each student, according to the middle school directory.

The school gets high marks on the Quality Review for its safe, inclusive atmosphere and high expectations for students. On school surveys, an unusual number of students say teachers notice if they are having trouble learning something, and give them specific suggestions about how they can improve their work. 

Test scores are below the citywide average but moving in the right direction. Most teachers have less than three years experience and some want more consistent help on instruction, according to the School Quality Guide. 

Teachers work with Teacher’s College Reading & Writing Project to support their literacy work, according to the yearly plan. They get coaching from Metamorphosis to promote hands-on activities and discussions in math classes. The NY Historical Society supports social studies instruction. Teachers also work with the Yale Center for Emotional intelligence, and use Restorative Practice, a program in which students follow steps to work out conflicts before they escalate. 

Admission: Open to students and residents of District 8. There have been five applicants per seat in recent years. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, May 2019)