The Academy for Collaborative Exploration

Elijah Stroud Middle School, also known as M.S. 353 and soon to be The Academy for Collaborative Exploration, is a small Brooklyn middle school serving grades 6-8. It is recognized for fostering a supportive and joyful learning environment where student voice and curiosity are central to the educational experience. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary, hands-on projects and real-world challenges through its innovative PROSE initiative, which promotes collaborative learning and student agency. Parents consistently express high satisfaction, praising the dedicated staff and teachers. The school maintains strong relationships with families, rated as 'Excellent,' and its attendance rate is a notable strength, performing at the citywide 75th percentile. Students benefit from a variety of enriching programs, including a partnership with New York Edge for after-school activities in sports and arts, and frequent educational trips to cultural institutions and colleges. While English Language Arts proficiency is near the citywide median, mathematics proficiency is a concern, falling below the 25th percentile. Student survey results also indicate some challenges with bullying and physical altercations. The school shares a building with an elementary school and occupies the third floor.