CPE1: Central Park East 1 Elementary School

The school is devoted to learning through the arts, which has untold benefits: it creates a lively and often joyous atmosphere; allows students to reinforce and apply their academic lessons; and encourages the development of community, which in turn teaches children the value of cooperation, organization and communication. Our teachers place their emphasis on each child’s individual growth rather than simply on his or her performance on tests.

Teachers are encouraged to develop their own styles and build on their individual strengths and interests. For example, teachers have incorporated regular trips to the Bronx Zoo, held weekly trips to museums and produced student plays based on current curriculum. Managing a mixed-grade classroom requires special skill. CPE1’s teachers have been trained to work within such a setting and find satisfaction in teaching this way. Teaching support for literacy and math development is provided on site for classroom teachers.

Despite variations in classroom styles, our teachers share a philosophy and approach that revolves around literature based reading instruction and problem-solving approaches to teaching math, science and social studies. Instead of merely providing information, teachers encourage students to pose important questions about the material in the curriculum and guide them in finding answers from a wide variety of sources and methods, including the library, newspapers, experiments and interviews. Teachers attend regular professional workshops on literacy, writing, math and inquiry-based learning.

Classroom-management techniques focus on the strengths of the child and positive reinforcement. Teachers encourage cooperative rather than competitive learning. Because respect for each child’s individuality is central the school’s philosophy, teachers actively encourage children to take initiative, be resourceful and show independence of judgment in their classroom work, with the intent that each child will become a confident and self-motivated learner.

Many staff members lead teacher training programs outside of CPE1 at institutions such as Long Island University, Lehman College and Teacher’s College. Schools of education throughout the world often send their teachers to observe the practices at CPE1. Staff meets weekly for professional development focused specifically on literacy, math, history and science curricula. They also look closely at issues of child development/perceptual development as it relates to children's work in school. All professionals at the school work together to ensure continuity in teaching methodology as well as to strengthen individual and collective practices.