ELLA BAKER SCHOOL

The Ella Baker School (PS 225), located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is a progressive K–8 public school known for its commitment to child-centered education. Founded on the belief that children learn best through active exploration and social collaboration, the school emphasizes a constructivist approach where students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and take ownership of their learning. The curriculum is integrated and thematic, often focusing on long-term projects that connect classroom studies to the real world, fostering both academic rigor and social-emotional development.

Beyond its academic philosophy, the Ella Baker School is recognized for its strong emphasis on community and democratic participation. The school places a high value on maintaining a diverse, inclusive environment where students, teachers, and families work together to create a supportive culture. By integrating social justice values—inspired by the school’s namesake, the civil rights activist Ella Baker—the school encourages students to become engaged, compassionate citizens. With its intimate setting and focus on the "whole child," the school serves as a unique alternative within the New York City public school system, prioritizing collaborative relationships and community service alongside traditional academic success.