Elijah Stroud Middle School

MS 353 Elijah Stroud Middle School is a tiny, safe school where teens take trips around the city, and are mentored by pillars of their community. Despite its small size, perks include a swim team, as well as music, dance, and media arts, according to the Arts in Schools Report.

Established in 2005 on the border between Prospect Heights and Crown Heights, the school shares its 1960's era building with an elementary school of the same name and occupies the third floor.  

Inspirational Black leaders frequently visit the school, such as a female judge from the New York State Court system, mentors from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and District 17 School Superintendent Clarence Ellis. Local police lead school safety meetings with parents and staff, and dads are celebrated on “Take your child to school day.” Photos on the school’s Twitter account  show teens celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, as well.

Students take lots of trips. They have cruised the Hudson River on the Circle Line, and visited the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Other trips include the American Museum of Natural History, NY Botanical Gardens and the Staten Island Zoo.

The school faces challenges. Test scores have a ways to go. Close to half the students miss at least a month of school, which interrupts the continuity of lessons. Some students are new immigrants who lack a formal education, and many students have special needs. 

Teacher inexperience has been a challenge, according to the school’s Comprehensive Educational Plan. Several strong partnerships are helping them improve, including a program through Harvard that shows staff how to use data to improve instruction, and another through the Department of Education that promotes teachers as leaders within a school. 

While many incoming students are behind grade level, especially in reading and writing, about a dozen perform at the highest level in mathematics. The school is part of Algebra for All, a program that encourages all students, not just top performers, to tackle more difficult math. 

Students may take advantage of the New York Edge after school program (Sports and Arts in Schools) from 2:30 to 5:30 every day. Extra tutoring and small group instruction is available on Saturday. 

The library, cafeteria, and auditorium are shared by the two schools. The cafeteria provides ample space for the entire student body to eat lunch together. Middle school students often use a city park on the block for recess after lunch.

Admissions: There has been room for all students who apply in recent years. (Lydie Raschka, web reports, April 2019)