At PS1, how we teach is as important as what we teach. Our core values of Competence (What we know), Confidence (How we feel about what we know), and Connection (What we do with what we know) provide the foundation for our K-6^th students. These core values are what make our school unique. Our students develop relationships, strength of conviction, self knowledge and empowerment. We foster academic learning in consort with interpersonal reasoning.

PS1 has a history of sending balanced, resilient, successful students into the world. As our graduates move into secondary school they often become leaders. They think deeply about issues that matter and understand ideas from the inside out. They are motivated, engaged, confident, curious, and ready to take on new challenges. The ability to ask questions, express ideas, think critically, and maintain passion for learning distinguishes PS1 students.

Core Values & Curriculum Values

On the outer ring of the Circle are our Curriculum Values, the values we focus on throughout a child’s school experience. These core curriculum values are IDENTITY, STEWARDSHIP, CITIZENSHIP, COMMUNITY AWARENESS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, and GLOBAL AWARENESS. We view elementary school as one seven-year experience, not seven one-year experiences, and these values are integrated into the daily lives of our students. At every age and stage of learning the children’s natural development is respected. Learning is organized around problems, projects, and questions and the teaching is typically interdisciplinary, in a context and for a purpose. There is an emphasis on collaborative problem-solving, where interdependence counts at least as much as independence. PS1 is truly a caring community of learners.