Middle School 243 Center School (Center) enrolls a coed student population of approximately 250 in an Upper West Side building it shares with Public School 9 elementary school. The three-story structure was built in 1965 and contains some 45 classrooms, where the average student-to-teacher ratio is less than 20-to-1. With a stated adherence to principles of progressive education, Center often mixes age groups during lessons.
As part of the school’s adaptable, open-door philosophy, the principal’s desk is located in the school’s computer lab. Standardized testing is somewhat embraced but the focus is more on student independence and flexibility in coursework.
The curriculum teaches two-and-a-half years of Latin taught to all students, with an accelerated option. Children at Center cycle through an ever-changing menu of "mini units," on subjects as varied as debate, law, filmmaking, African dance, the U.S. Constitution and more. Electives include algebra, art, chorus, computer science, dance, debate, drama, fine arts and performing arts. Center publishes a school newspaper and a yearbook. Theater is an especially lively area of activity at the school, with students self-producing skits and monologues, as well as performing songs and speeches. Sports available to students include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, running, ultimate frisbee and volleyball.
Ms 243 Center School
Public Elementary, Middle School
|
Grade 5-8
100 W 84th St,
New York, NY
New York City Geographic District No. 3
School Details
Head of School
Director - Ms. Elaine Schwartz
Student Teacher Ratio
16:1
Math Proficiency
66%
Reading Proficiency
83%
Niche Grade
A
A+
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Reading Proficiency
83%
Math Proficiency
66%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers
16
Full Time Teachers
16
Teachers in First or Second Year
9.7%
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Science
1%
State Average
20%
Math
2%
State Average
22%
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
1,062:1
Student Diversity
Female
51.2%
Male
48.8%
White
56%
Hispanic
14.7%
Black
13.1%
Two or more races
10.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
5.2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
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School Rankings
#46
Best Public MS Teachers in New York
#89
Best Public MS in New York
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
9/20/2021
Center School is one of the best middle schools in New York City. It's teaching staff is the best, and the principal, bless her, is the best.
GreatSchools Reviews
1/27/2021
I attended Center School from 2013-2017, and might I say that it thoroughly shaped me into a headstrong and socially intelligent individual. I know for a fact that every other person in my graduating class would say the same. The experience at this school expands far beyond academia, and you are giv...
5/5/2018
Our son is in the 5th grade at Center School and we can't say enough about how nurtured and supported he has been in his classes and in becoming part of a middle school community so far. His advisor has been our point of contact with the school, and it's been excellent to be able to have someone we...
3/26/2018
I am so happy that my child is a part of such a great school. The community, work and teachers are amazing and supporting. They truly nurture the growth and individualism of each kid. They focus on teaching kids independence and walking alongside them as they venture through middle school. The class...
3/28/2016
My child is having a mixed experience at the Center School. Some of the teachers actually embarrass the children and behave in a way that is closer to a preteen than an adult. There's also a lot of favoritism within the school that can make some children feel truly left out. The principle seems to t...
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Map
About Upper West Side
List Price Range
$468K - $14.7M
Homes For Sale
566
Average Home Value
$1,749,143
Median Lot Size
1,742 Sq Ft
% Renters
64%
Household Income
$160,420
% of College Grads
81.4%
Median Age
47
Average House Size
2,723 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
87.3%
Homes for Sale
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Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 6th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
St Gregory's Playground
- Basketball
- Playground
Riverside Park
W 87th Street Park & Garden
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Tecumseh Playground
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Soccer
Straus Park
- Trails
Playground Eighty Nine LXXXIX
- Playground
Sol Bloom Playground
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Central Park
Theodore Roosevelt Park
- Dog Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
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Carnegie Hill
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