P.S. 126 Jacob August Riis

P.S. 126 Jacob August Riis, also known as the Manhattan Academy of Technology (MAT), is a highly-rated PK-8 school located on the Lower East Side, serving a diverse student body from various backgrounds, including Chinatown and the Lower East Side. The school is recognized for its strong academics, with ELA and Math proficiency rates well above the citywide median, nearing or exceeding the 75th percentile. Its accelerated coursework percentage is exceptionally high, indicating a significant focus on advanced learning. The curriculum is described as creative and rigorous, integrating technology through coding, animation, and robotics. Eighth-grade students are prepared for Earth Science, Algebra I Regents, and Spanish Proficiency exams. The school offers a rich elective program in fine arts, percussion, and band, designed to prepare students for high school auditions, alongside an extensive competitive sports program with 23 different offerings. Parents consistently report a warm and supportive community, praising the dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff and the school's ability to prepare students well for high school. The school excels at fostering strong relationships with families. However, some student survey responses indicate areas for improvement regarding school cleanliness, fair conflict resolution, and instances of bullying or physical altercations.