I.S. 289

I.S. 289, also known as Hudson River Middle School, serves students in grades 6-8 in a small, supportive environment in Battery Park City. The school consistently demonstrates strong academic performance, with ELA proficiency (69%) at the citywide 75th percentile and Math proficiency (82%) well above it. A high percentage of students (61%) engage in accelerated coursework, significantly exceeding the citywide 75th percentile. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary, project-based learning, often incorporating social justice themes, and students are encouraged to design their own homework assignments. The faculty receives an "Excellent" rating for instruction and performance, with teachers widely praised for their dedication and effectiveness. Parents report overwhelmingly positive relationships with the school, appreciating its small size and accessible staff. While the school maintains high academic expectations, it also provides substantial support, including an Academic Coaching program for all students. Student sentiment is mixed, with some describing a challenging and at times pressured environment, while others value the strong friendships and collaborative learning experience. The school is fully accessible and benefits from its location next to the Battery Park Ballfields, which are utilized for recess and sports. A robust, free after-school program offers competitive sports, arts, music, coding, and technology activities.