Tompkins Square Middle School

Tompkins Square Middle School (TSMS) is a progressive public school for grades 6-8 on Manhattan's Lower East Side, established by a grassroots coalition of neighborhood parents and educators. It has earned recognition as a "Rising Star Middle School" and an "Outstanding Middle School" in the Blackboard Awards. The school is known for its commitment to a diverse, self-reflective community that fosters ethical, caring, and critical thinkers. TSMS shares its building with two elementary schools. Academically, the school's ELA proficiency (49%) and math proficiency (43%) are above the citywide 25th percentile but below the median. The percentage of students in accelerated coursework (16%) is also below the citywide median. The curriculum emphasizes project-based and interdisciplinary learning, with students engaging in activities like mock trials and school-wide math problems. While official ratings for instruction and performance are "Fair," parent surveys show high positive feedback regarding feeling welcome and supported. Teachers are generally described as knowledgeable and passionate, often using varied tasks to challenge students. However, some parent and student feedback indicates concerns about administrative responsiveness, student behavior, and safety, with a higher-than-citywide average of students reporting bullying.