address:176 East 115th Street New York, NY 10029 | phone:212-876-5522

Lead Your Future

Nurturing confident, bilingual, and compassionate leaders from Pre-K to 8th Grade in the heart of East Harlem.

Welcome to the James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy Family

Welcome! At PS/MS 57, we believe that every child is born with the potential to lead. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and challenging academic environment where students discover their strengths, cultivate their character, and prepare to make a positive impact on the world.

As a Pre-K through 8th grade community, we have the unique privilege of building lasting relationships with our students and their families. We walk with you on this journey, from your child’s first day of Pre-K to their final steps as a middle school graduate, ensuring they are prepared for high school, college, and beyond.

We are more than just a school; we are a community dedicated to excellence, equity, and empowerment. I invite you to explore what makes our academy so special and to visit us soon.

Yaira Jimenez Principal, PS/MS 57

Why Choose the James Weldon Johnson Leadership Academy?

Developing Tomorrow's Leaders

From the classroom to the community, we embed leadership opportunities in everything we do. Our students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with their peers, and take responsibility for their own learning and growth.

A World of Opportunity: Our Dual Language Program

In our Spanish Dual Language program, students become fully bilingual and biliterate. This powerful academic advantage opens doors to new cultures, deepens cognitive skills, and prepares students for success in a globalized world.

A Nurturing Community, Pre-K to 8th Grade

Our unique Pre-K to 8th grade model creates a stable, supportive, and family-like atmosphere. Younger students are mentored by older peers, and our teachers get to know each child’s individual learning style over many years, fostering profound academic and personal growth.

Academics and Enrichment for Every Stage

Early Childhood (3-K & Pre-K) Our play-based early childhood programs build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. In a safe and joyful environment, our youngest scholars develop social skills, language, and a love for discovery.

Elementary & Middle School Academics We offer a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum in a supportive setting. With a low 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio, our educators provide personalized attention to ensure every child is challenged and achieves their full potential.

Beyond the Classroom Learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Students get their hands dirty in our Garden of Dreams, a unique outdoor environmental lab. After school, our middle schoolers explore new passions—from coding and music production to martial arts and photography—through our partnership with Roads to Success.