School in the Square Public Charter School

School in the Square Public Charter School is a middle school serving grades 6-8 in Manhattan, operating with a "relationships first" philosophy that emphasizes community and family partnership. The school is known for its strong commitment to social-emotional support and personalized education, aiming to meet students where they are academically. Parent surveys indicate overwhelmingly positive satisfaction with the school environment and relationships. The school also provides significant family support services, including a food pantry and after-school programs. Academically, the school's ELA proficiency is near the citywide median, while math proficiency is below the median and state average. Student surveys reveal moderate satisfaction with conflict resolution and notable concerns regarding bullying and physical fights among students. The school's suspension rate is also a point of concern for some families. While many parents praise the supportive environment and bilingual opportunities offered by the broader charter network, some online reviews mention issues with staff organization and student behavior. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and a significant English Language Learner population.