Our Graduates

The Portrait of a PS1 Graduate reflects the qualities we see again and again in students as they complete their seven-year journey at PS1. It is the result of a year and a half of thoughtful reflection, research, and listening to the voices of graduates, parents, teachers, and the middle schools that welcome our students next.

When a PS1 student turns twelve and steps into the wider world, what can you expect them to embody as people, friends, learners, and community members? The words below, along with their expanded descriptions, paint that picture.

I am most grateful for the relationship building and self-expression skills and confidence I gained at PS1. There was space for everyone at PS1 and we were all appreciated and learned to be appreciative of one another, as teachers and staff led by example fostering a truly magical learning environment. I would not be the confident and communicative person I am today if it weren’t for PS1. V.C. PS1 Alum

How We Developed the Portrait

To create this portrait, we gathered input from every corner of our community:

• Surveys from recent and past graduates and their families

• Insights from teachers and staff

• Feedback from middle school educators who receive PS1 students

• Reflections from current parents about what drew them to PS1 and how they see their children growing

Across all voices, a common picture emerged. These qualities appear year after year—not as aspirations, but as lived realities of our students.

How We Foster These Traits

Every program, classroom experience, and relationship at PS1 is intentionally designed to help children grow into these attributes. Teachers and Specialists keep this portrait at the center of their work—in daily planning, in units of study, and in their care for each individual child.