P.S. 290 Manhattan New School

PublicUpper East Side

311 East 82nd Street, New York, NY 10028

212-734-7127

ps290.org/

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Overview

Educational philosophy

Progressive / Play Based

Programs offered

3s · Pre-K · K+

Annual tuition

Free (NYC DOE)

School continues

Through Grade 5

Total students

~450

Financial aid

Not offered

Sibling & legacy

—

Upcoming:No upcoming admissions dates — check back soon

P.S. 290 Manhattan New School is a well-regarded, zoned NYC public elementary school (3-K through Grade 5) on the Upper East Side, historically rooted in a child-centered, reading/writing-workshop tradition. Led by principal Amy O'Brien, it combines standards-based academics with strong social-emotional learning, the arts (music, art, dance, drama) and enrichment such as STEM, chess and coding, and includes an Integrated Co-Teaching class in every grade. State test proficiency sits well above citywide averages (~93% ELA, ~96% Math). Admission is free through NYC's MySchools system, with guaranteed placement for in-zone Kindergarten families and separate 3-K/Pre-K admissions.

Programs & Schedule

3sAge 3–4

Schedule

Monday – Friday

Extended hours

Tuition

Free; 2026-27 rate; [Detail: 3-K for All] Free full-day 3-K for children born in 2023 (turning 3 in the calendar year). Apply via MySchools 3-K admissions (separate system/timeline from Pre-K and K). Fall 2026 cycle: applications Jan 14-Feb 27, 2026. Afterschool program does not serve 3-K.

Pre-KAge 4–5

Schedule

Monday – Friday

Extended hours

Yes

Tuition

Free; 2026-27 rate; [Detail: Pre-K for All] Free full-day Pre-K for children born in 2022 (turning 4 in the calendar year). Apply via MySchools Pre-K admissions (separate system/timeline from 3-K and K). Fall 2026 cycle: applications Jan 14-Feb 27, 2026. Optional afterschool (Imogen Foundation) available to 2:45-5:30 PM; latest_pickup reflects afterschool.

KAge 5

Schedule

Monday – Friday

Extended hours

Yes

Tuition

Free; 2026-27 rate; Free K-5 elementary. Zoned neighborhood school in District 2; PS 290 must enroll in-zone residents for K-5 (guaranteed except in rare overcrowding), so out-of-zone offers are limited. Apply via MySchools Kindergarten admissions. Fall 2026 K cycle: applications Dec 9, 2025-Jan 23, 2026 (separate system/timeline from 3-K and Pre-K). Grades 1-5: register directly via ps290enrollment@schools.nyc.gov. Optional afterschool (Imogen Foundation) to 5:30 PM.

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This school continues through Grade 5. Enrolled students progress without reapplying.

Admissions

3-K application opens (est. mid-Jan)~Jan 14expected

3-K application deadline (est. late Feb)~Feb 26expected

3-K offers (est. spring)~May 19expected

Leadership

Amy O'Brien

Admissions contact

Nancy Dolinsky

ps290enrollment@schools.nyc.gov

Culture & Community

Educational approach

Progressive / Play Based

A zoned NYC public elementary (3-K through Grade 5) on the Upper East Side, historically known as the Manhattan New School and rooted in a child-centered, reading/writing-workshop tradition. The school describes its aim as a nurturing, joyful, inclusive, engaging and rigorous learning environment where every child can reach their full potential and develop a love of learning as global citizens. It pairs standards-based instruction in ELA, math, science and social studies with strong social-emotional learning (Responsive Classroom / C.A.R.E.S.), the arts (music, instruments, visual art, dance, drama) and enrichment (athletics, STEM, chess, coding). Every grade includes at least one Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom.

GenderCo-ed

Cultural programs

MusicArt

Enrichment

Dance and dramaathletics, STEM, chess, coding, digital citizenship, and field experiences.

After-school programs

PS 290 afterschool program run by the Imogen Foundation (IF Afterschool), 2:45-5:30 PM, for Pre-K through Grade 5 (not 3-K)two terms (fall and spring).