Ella Baker School
PS 225Q — Upper East Side, NYC
A inclusive, progressive education where every child’s voice is heard and valued.
Pre-K–8 | Serving all five boroughs | A legacy of grassroots leadership
Principal Search
We're interviewing candidates for our next principal and welcome community input. Learn about the process →
About Our School
Where every child belongs.
Founded in 1996, the Ella Baker School is a progressive pre-K–8 community rooted in the belief that all children can learn through curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Inspired by civil rights leader Ella Baker, we foster a democratic, child-centered environment where students develop the skills to participate in—and strengthen—a just society.
Our values of compassion, empathy, and inclusion guide everything we do, from daily read-alouds with cross-grade buddies to hands-on inquiry in math, science, and the arts. Located in the historic Julia Richman Education Complex, we partner with families to make each child visible as a unique learner and leader.
Founded
Represented
Campus
What We Offer
Our Programs
A curriculum designed to nurture the whole child—academically, creatively, and socially.
Child-Centered Learning
Our progressive approach emphasizes inquiry, collaboration, and hands-on exploration. Students develop critical thinking skills through project-based learning in math, science, humanities, and activism—all while honoring their unique voices and choices.
Explore AcademicsArts & Expression
Dedicated art instruction and creative expression are woven into every classroom. From visual arts to storytelling, students use the arts to make meaning of the world and communicate their ideas with confidence.
See Our WorkCommunity & Leadership
Inspired by Ella Baker’s grassroots legacy, we cultivate leadership through democratic participation. Students collaborate across grades, engage in service learning, and build a school culture rooted in equity and mutual respect.
Join UsMark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events
School events, PTA meetings, and important dates — all in one place.
A live events calendar, right here.
Your Google Calendar syncs straight into the site — tours, PTA meetings, and key dates update automatically, no re-typing. We wire this up when you come aboard.
Invest in our
children's future.
Your donation funds arts programs, teaching assistants, and school trips. Every dollar makes a difference for our students.