P.S. 32 Samuel Mills Sprole

PS 32 is an appealing choice for children of all abilities, including those in gifted, special needs, and general education programs. The school has also expanded its 3K and pre-K programs and is popular both in its neighborhood and throughout the district.

About a third of the students have special needs. PS 32 led the way in teaching high-functioning children with autism, placing them in small classes of fewer than 16 students, alongside typically developing peers, with two teachers—one certified in special education. This program, called ASD NEST has become a model for the city and teachers from other schools visit to learn about it. 

Teachers found that many techniques used for high-performing autistic children who struggle socially also benefit others. Every class, except the "gifted" program, has two teachers and includes both general education and special needs students.

All PS 32 students take "life skills" classes to learn social skills. Each classroom has a "break area," a cozy corner where kids can calm down without leaving or getting a "time out." There are bins with small "fidgets," noise-canceling headphones, and comfy seats or bouncy balls for students.

Teachers, many of whom helped shepherd in the ASD Nest program a decade ago, find ways to reinforce good behavior: Instead of getting in trouble for hitting, a 4-year-old who loves pirates is given a gold coin whenever he goes 15 minutes without putting his hands on another child.

"It's all about self-regulation," one teacher said.

In addition to ASD-NEST classes and gifted classes, the school has team-teaching classes that mix general education and children with special needs. 

Fundraising events build community, such as a masquerade dance, a spring fling and an auction. Parents volunteer, including one grandmother who is in the attractive library almost daily. "Farmer Fred" comes to the school twice a week to work with kids in the garden, funded by the PTA.

The school's 1950s H-shaped brick building has been renovated and expanded to support a growing population and replace outdated temporary classrooms. PS 32 offers free extracurricular activities, teams, and clubs including chorus, chess, garden club, student government, basketball, and more.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Every classroom with the exception of G&T, has students with an IEP. All have at least two teachers and sometimes numerous para-professionals. One downside: while there is room in general ed, the NEST program recieves more applicants than it can accept.

AFTER SCHOOL: The PTA runs a paid after-school program from 2:40 to 5:15 pm; Good Shepherd Services has a free program open to everyone until 6 pm.

ADMISSIONS: Neighborhood school. G&T students are admitted based on a the Department of Education standards. The DOE places NEST students in the school after a series of interviews and assessments. (Pamela Wheaton, February and March 2016; updated, email and web reports, 2024)