I.S. 229 Roland Patterson

Dr. Roland N. Patterson School, IS 229, is a tiny middle school near Roberto Clemente State Park and the Harlem River in Morris Heights. The school is deeply rooted in its community. Most students live near the school and many teachers grew up in the neighborhood and attended IS 229. 

Most students arrive at the school after attending PS 274, which shares a building with IS 229. This helps with the transition to middle school since many students already know each other and are familiar with the facilities.

Each grade is broken into three classes of roughly 20 students that stay together throughout their classes each year. Students typically work together in small groups arranged according to their grades and test scores. They often sit in the same groups throughout different classes, as their teachers meet regularly to discuss and adjust groups.

Students participate in clubs during the school day such as dance, mock trial, cooking, and drumming. Sports include volleyball and basketball. The school’s mascot is the Panther.

Field trips are common to destinations such as Dave N’ Buster, an arcade and restaurant, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or a roller rink. The school sometimes has picnics at nearby Roberto Clemente State Park.

About one in six students is learning English as a new language (ENL), with Spanish being the most common foreign language. Many teachers speak Spanish, as do all of the guidance counselors.

One downside: The school’s location, far from subways, makes it difficult to attract new teachers. (Dashiell Allen, web reports and interview, April 2025)