Founders Fund - Ps1 Pluralistic School One

The Founders Fund for Educational Pluralism.

The mission of the Founders Fund for Educational Pluralism, established in 2022, is to ensure that as many children as possible experience the values of a pluralistic education. By emphasizing the unique differences of each child, our school nurtures individual talents and learning styles in helping each child become the best version of themselves.

Celebrating a Legacy:

In 1971, Eleanor and Joel Pelcyger created a school with the intention of making learning relevant in the life of each child. What started out as a brave idea has become an institution: PS1 Pluralistic School. Since its inception, PS1 has continuously been a bold and innovative leader in the educational community and has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many children and their families, both directly and indirectly. A solid and meaningful elementary school education lasts a lifetime, both for the recipient and for all those touched throughout their lives.

To honor its co-founders and to celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary, PS1 has established The Founders Fund for Educational Pluralism. The purpose of the Founders Fund is to promote the ideas that Ellie and Joel hold dear, and to support the teachers, staff, and families that form a rich and inclusive community. The fund supports two efforts, and donors have the opportunity to direct their contributions to either or both. The Founders Fund promotes pluralism with the broader community, as well as strengthens the school’s tuition assistance program. Ellie and Joel have always been firm believers in celebrating each individual’s unique value and this special fund ensures that their vision will carry forward for many generations to come.

What is the Fund?

The Fund honors pluralism in schools. Gifts support the initial founding values of inclusivity and engagement, and foster the spread of pluralistic education both locally and across the country. In this way, the school serves as a model of evolving practice and as a center to encourage expansion of our national motto — E Pluribus Unum — from aspirational to fulfillment in the education of today’s youth. Donors can choose to earmark their contribution.

Two Specific Areas of Impact:

A CENTER FOR PLURALISM

To honor Ellie and Joel’s legacy, and to promote PS1’s pluralistic philosophy and mission to impact elementary education, this aspect of the Founders Fund will also provide people opportunities to connect, learn, emulate, and expand upon what a pluralistic education can provide. Notable speakers, educational forums, podcasts, videos, periodicals and writings are just a few of the possibilities that support of this fund will provide. PS1’s unique pedagogy is grounded in 50 years of tried and true practice. Donors who give to a center for pluralism will be making an impact on the world both inside and outside of PS1’s current walls.

FINANCIAL AID

A robust financial aid program benefits everyone enrolled at PS1 — it makes for an inclusive environment to enable children to grow and develop in connection with people different from themselves. Daily exposure and interaction with people of different means, heritage, and traditions benefit everyone, and serve as an essential component of a pluralistic education. Contributions to this aspect of the Founders Fund will be directed to the financial aid endowment, and will enable generations of families to benefit from a PS1 education.