Editor’s note: To read profiles of all 2015-2016 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE!
Midtown West School
Principal: Ryan Bourke
Pre-K-5
328 West 48th Street
Award: Outstanding School
Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.
The curriculum and learning at Midtown West School is organized around our Social Studies core curriculum. From the very early age of 3 or 4, Midtown West students engage in an experiential, inquiry-based approach to learning that requires them to act as researchers, authors, mathematicians, etc. Throughout their years here, students hone their learning stance by participating in many rich activities, including a variety of field trips designed to expand their learning opportunities within the greater NY area. Classes regularly participate in in-depth projects that include lengthy studies of the community, state, and world. Our primary educational goal is to create intellectualists who are competent at solving real-world problems and not hesitant to wrestle with complex ideas.
Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.
Midtown West is a school that focuses on the arts. We firmly believe that it is fundamental for students to develop a love for learning. Our emphasis on music, dance, art, and theatre allow students the opportunity to experience a holistic education. We are also proud of our focus on community. In order to best support the social and emotional development of students—and to foster positive relationships with families—we employ a looping system in which our students spend two years with each teacher.
What’s new?
As of this year, we are proud to include two pre-K classrooms at Midtown West. Welcoming these young students into our community allows us to further develop our early childhood program by providing another year of educational experiences. We are also very proud of our achievements in health and wellness. Our school worked with the American Heart Association to help transform our garden into an active Teaching Garden. We have also installed a hydroponic garden in the Science Lab that connects directly to our newly built Teaching Kitchen.
What do you love about your school?
I love the sense of family here at MTW. Serving as principal is a genuinely rewarding experience… Teachers and parents rally around the many initiatives offered by Midtown West. Students, families, and staff love being a part of the Midtown West community and show their dedication in all they do.
