About P.S.97

Our Mission, Core Beliefs, and Values

PS 97, The Highlawn School, is dedicated to providing rigorous and well-rounded world class education to every child. Our students will be challenged through an arts and technology infused curriculum, which embraces our multicultural, multilingual community and allows our students to become world citizens and passionate leaders. At PS 97, active learning experiences develop students' natural curiosity, 21st century skills, and problem solving abilities. We strive to create an engaging learning environment characterized by high academic expectations and ensuring success for all students. All members of PS 97 learn from one another and support one another. We engage families as partners in education.  We celebrate the voices and cultures of our students, our families, our staff, and our community.

CORE BELIEFS

• All students can learn.

• Students and staff are leaders in the school community.

• Every classroom is led by a highly qualified teacher. 

• Families are our partners in education.

VALUES

• Students come first.

• We work as an effective team.

• We operate with integrity and respect.

• We embrace change as an opportunity to grow and improve.

• We take responsibility and hold ourselves accountable.

• We celebrate, promote, and appreciate diversity.

Special Programs

• Project Arts

• Inside Broadway

• The PS97 Chorus

• New York City Ballet

• Computer Center - Digital World Citizenship 

• Science Lab

• Greenhouse 

• Project Leaders

• Collaboration with Brooklyn Library

• Wireless Technology and Smartboards in All Classrooms

• PS 97 Honor Society

• Student Government

• Friday Clubs 

• After-school Clubs 

• Saturday Academy 

• Talent Shows 

• Urban Advantage 

• Leader In Me 

• Cookshop 

• Fresh Fruit & Vegetable program 

• Spelling Bee

• Art Shows 

• STEM/STEAM

• Pi Day 

• Dance / Music Programs 

At P.S. 97 we learn more than reading, writing and arithmetic.  The learning environment emphasizes the value of kindness, charity and generosity by participating in such programs as American Heart Association and Project Leaders.

We also reach into our immediate community with Family Fun Nights and performances in the day and evening that highlight what makes our students so special.   Additionally, our school yard has enriched our community by creating a pleasant, safe space for families.  We look forward to continuing the beautification process with help of our Beautification Team. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer and help us make the school even better!