Our Unique Approach

Our Paper Philosophy

We believe the best childhood learning happens when students are actively engaged with the physical world around them. While we teach vital tech skills in our dedicated STEM and robotics class, our classroom and homework assignments prioritize printed paper, physical books, and handwriting.

  • Deep Focus: Using physical paper encourages sustained attention, reduces digital fatigue, and deepens cognitive processing.

  • Tactile Mastery: From practicing handwriting to turning pages, physical media builds fine-motor and spatial skills that screens cannot replace.

Leader in Me

Welcome to the heart of leadership at P.S. 165. As a certified Leader in Me Lighthouse School, we belong to a worldwide community recognized for exceptional school culture, student leadership, and academic integrity. The framework, based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is built directly into the fabric of our building.

The 8 Habits We Live By

We utilize the 8 Habits (the original 7 plus the 8th Habit: Find Your Voice) to help students develop 21st-century life skills:

  1. Be Proactive (You’re in Charge)

  2. Begin with the End in Mind (Have a Plan)

  3. Put First Things First (Work First, Then Play)

  4. Think Win-Win (Everyone Can Win)

  5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood (Listen Before You Talk)

  6. Synergize (Together is Better)

  7. Sharpen the Saw (Balance Feels Best)

  8. Find Your Voice (Inspire Others to Find Theirs)

Leadership in Action: Student-Led Roles & The Student Lighthouse Team

Leadership at P.S. 165 belongs to the kids. Students take active ownership of our school community through various voluntary roles. 

  • Jr. Lighthouse invites students K-2 to use their voices to advocate for student-led ideas to the administration. 

  • Confident 3-5th graders are our Lighthouse Team with responsibilities to present at all-school assemblies and collaborate with the school administration. 

  • All students are invited to participate in voluntary leadership roles throughout the school year. For example students participate in planning literacy and STEM afternoons with the SLT Team, leadership day, tour guides and greeters for visitors, and more.

Learn more about Leader in Me

Cultural Heritage & Global Curriculum

We don't just celebrate diversity on special occasions; we weave our community’s vibrant backgrounds into what we learn every day.

  • Culturally Responsive Units: Our literacy, history, and social studies lessons incorporate diverse historical figures, global authors, and community narratives.

  • The Arts as a Cultural Bridge: Through our specials, including STEM, Physical Education, Visual Arts & Ceramics, and Performing Arts, children explore world traditions and cultures.

Visit Our Classrooms

Each month we host Open Classroom Days, welcoming current parents to step inside our school. Parents have the opportunity to observe their child in their classroom, watch our student leaders in action, and see how our teachers cultivate a joyful, calm learning environment.