PS 59 The Harbor View School

Students explore New York City through project-based learning, beginning with their immediate neighborhood and expanding outward. PS 59 The Harbor View School is a Staten Island elementary school whose child-centered curriculum emphasizes investigation, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and creativity. Learning experiences are designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. The school describes its environment as collaborative and responsive to students' social and emotional needs, with an emphasis on equity and student autonomy. Students learn through experimentation, discovery, interaction with real materials, and engagement with people and places. Instructional priorities include structured discussion and clear learning intentions to help students explain their progress and apply skills across content areas. The school also works with families and community organizations.