It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to PS 72. 

At PS 72, our dedicated staff works hard to create a safe and positive learning environment for our students that not only builds academic knowledge but also helps to develop students’ character, creativity, and critical thinking skills.  We serve children from grades 3K to 5 and offer a variety of class configurations including self-contained and integrated co-teaching special education classes as well as ACES, SEED and Gifted and Talented programs. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, culturally responsive education that motivates and empowers all students to be life-long learners, critical thinkers, and productive members of society.  We believe that when students feel valued and inspired, they can learn to their fullest potential.

As our school approaches its 100th anniversary, we have dedicated ourselves to not only remembering our past but re-imagining our future and providing the well-rounded education that is both essential for students’ social and emotional well-being and a critical tool for establishing equity and access.  With a computer lab, devices for all students, a newly introduced STEAM program and a new $250,000 STEAM lab in the works, we prepare our students with the technological skills they need to be college and career ready.  Through a partnership with Studio in a School, we integrate the visual arts into teaching and learning to provide students with avenues to explore and develop their creative potential.  With the support of Education Through Music, we integrate music education into our core curriculum and offer instruction in both vocal and instrumental music.  We provide small group instrumental lessons during the school day and are proud to boast a 100-piece band. 

We firmly believe that parents and families are integral to students’ academic success and to the overall success of our school, and as such, we encourage all parents to take an active part in our school community.  Join a Parent Master Class! Participate in Parents’ Picks and read a story to your child’s class!  Have fun and engage with administrators and staff at one of our many workshops and family events!  There is always something happening at PS 72, and we truly have something for everyone.  We believe in the power of collaboration and open communication, and we encourage our community members to share their ideas, concerns and dreams with us.  Together, we can continue to re-imagine the student experience and create a community that thrives on mutual respect, support and understanding. Together, we can ensure a safe, healthy learning environment where all students can succeed.

Whether you are a prospective or established member of our school community, we invite you to explore our website and download our app to learn more about all we have to offer.  We invite you to schedule a tour or join one of our Community Learning Walks to meet our staff and see teaching and learning in action.

We look forward to welcoming you into our PS 72 school family.

Greta Ratjen

Principal