P.S. 3 Raul Julia Micro Society

P.S. 3 Raul Julia Micro Society is a small k-8 school that has worked to improve academic performance and is trying to do more to meet the needs of higher achieving students. It has begun offering the algebra Regents to 8th graders and, according to a Department of Education report, offers other high-level courses and trips to nearby colleges. Teachers think discipline is good and  the school environment seems pleasant. Teachers overwhelmingly would recommend the school to other families.

Scores on the state standardized tests for elementary and middle school students have climbed steadily and considerably over the past several years. Despite these and other favorable signs, though, enrollment has dropped by about 25 percent in the last decade.

Raul Julia occupies a fairly new building with an attractive library, but the surrounding area has presented some challenges. Although an overwhelming percentage of students and teachers think the building itself is safe, more than a third of middle school children in a Department of Education survey say they do not feel safe outside the school.

Raul Julia, according to another Department of Education report, makes a concerted effort to involve its families; most are low-income and many are not native English speakers. It offers Family Nights and workshops and frequently sends parents progress reports to alert them of any particular academic or behavior concern.

The school offers visual art to students in grade 4 through 8. Its community partner, SoBRO, provides instruction and programs in dance, music and theater but there is not a full sequence of classes. 

Admissions: Raul Julia is an unzoned elementary school. Students in the district, siblings of students and children who attend pre-k there have priority although other students may apply. For middle school, Raul Julia gives top priority to continuing 5th graders and to other residents of Districts 9 and 10 who are randomly selected for admission. (Gail Robinson, September 2019, from DOE reports.)