Founded by Families
The Neighborhood School was founded in September 1991 by a group of families in the East Village who wanted a progressive public school option in their community. Starting with just four pre-K through 1st grade classrooms, the school was born from a conviction that public education could be innovative, child-centered, and deeply rooted in community.
A Name with Meaning
The school's name reflects its founding curriculum: studies of family, neighborhood, and city. From the very beginning, TNS drew on the East Village as a classroom — its streets, shops, parks, and people became the material of learning. This commitment to local, experiential education continues to define the school today.
Progressive Roots
TNS draws on a tradition of progressive education that stretches back to the early 20th century in New York City. Inspired by educators like Caroline Pratt and John Dewey, our founders believed that children learn best through hands-on experience, inquiry, and social collaboration — not rote memorization and worksheets.
Growth
From those original four classrooms, TNS grew to serve students from 3K through 5th grade in 11 multi-age classrooms. The school is located at 121 East 3rd Street, sharing the building with Star Academy (PS 63), and serves over 350 students from across the East Village and Lower East Side.
A Community School
TNS is a District 1 School of Choice, meaning families from across the district actively choose to send their children here. Our community includes families who have been in the neighborhood for generations alongside newcomers from around the world. Over 25 languages are spoken in our students' homes.
Today
More than three decades later, the principles that founded TNS remain at its core: progressive pedagogy, family involvement, community connection, and the belief that every child deserves an education that meets them where they are and inspires them to grow. Our graduates leave TNS as confident, curious, and compassionate learners.