P.S./M.S. 15 Institute for Environmental Learning

PS/MS 15 The Institute for Environmental Learning is a combined elementary and middle school with two classes per grade that strives to provide personal support for its students and give them leadership roles.

Academics are fairly strong. Test scores are average for the city, but far exceed the average for its area, and the state Department of Education has recognized the school for high achievement. Teachers responding to a Department of Education survey gave the school high marks, although they said classes can be a bit unruly at times. A professional educator who evaluated the school for DOE thought students could be given a greater role in classroom discussions.

A number of programs focus on creating a good school environment. Middle school students in a “service squad” monitor the cafeteria during breakfast and then walk younger elementary school children to class. This, along with a student council, makes students feel they have a voice in the school.

Parents were impressed with the “personal interest”  the guidance counselor takes in all students, according to a Department of Education survey, with particular attention going to those who need extra help. The school has focused on attendance, reaching out to parents whose children are often absent and trying to address the issue. A substantial number of children whose families are in temporary housing attend PS/MS 15, and all of these children receive welcome packages with school uniforms, backpacks and school supplies.

PS/MS 15 has several middle school athletic teams and extracurricular activities. It has a visual arts teacher, with arts organizations providing programs in music, theater and dance. 

PS/MS 15 shares a building with PS 91, a neighborhood elementary school, and P 10, which is part of D75, the citywide district for students with severe disabilities. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Students in P10 participate in PS/MS 15’s middle school programs. The school also has a self-contained class for students with disabilities and team teaching classes with a mix of general and special education students. Test scores for students with disabilities lag far behind the results for other PS/MS 51 students.

ADMISSIONS: The elementary school is unzoned with priority going to children living in District 10 or who have siblings at the school. The school’s 5th graders get priority for middle school seats, as do siblings of other students. (Gail Robinson, web reports, October 2019; photo from YouTube)