Community Schools

Urban Arts has over 30 years of success delivering arts and technology education programs to NYC public schools, reaching thousands of students annually. As a proud partner of NYC’s Community Schools Initiative, we are deeply integrated within three Manhattan schools—PS 132 Juan Pablo Duarte, IS 528 Bea Fuller Rodgers, and Facing History School — working closely with school leadership to ensure these schools can serve as vital neighborhood hubs, offering essential services like health care, mentoring, adult education, and expanded learning opportunities.

Through our collaboration as a lead Community-Based Organization (CBO) partner, we help identify and connect schools with the resources they need to support students and families holistically. Our efforts contribute to improved attendance, reduced absenteeism, and increased access to college and career opportunities, all while fostering a stronger community.

Our work supports:

Improved Attendance

Expanding Learning Time

Wellness & Integrated Supports

Family & Community Engagement

College & Career Readiness

Spotlighting Our Partner Schools

PS 132 Juan Pablo Duarte

Nestled in the heart of Washington Heights, PS 132 Juan Pablo Duarte stands as a beacon of community-driven growth, innovation, and collaboration. The school has flourished through strategic partnerships, becoming a vibrant space where students thrive academically and personally. By fostering a culture of confidence and success, PS 132 provides strong academic support while offering essential wraparound services that strengthen its ties to both families and the local community.

Partnership Highlights:

Boosted attendance and enrollment through targeted outreach and family-centered engagement.

Launched the JPD Cares initiative, which includes a food pantry, hydroponics lab, and wellness programs to promote student health and well-being.

Put students at the forefront of learning with project-based experiences like the annual “I AM” Tour, where students showcase their creativity to the wider community.

“The relationship between Urban Arts and our school leadership is a true and genuine partnership. We meet weekly and regularly, always making sure all we do is aligned to the school vision and mission, and really putting forward JPD cares, which is our equity centered initiative.

I was fortunate enough to serve as a teacher when Urban Arts was chosen for Juan Pablo Duarte School. This has been not only a consistent relationship but one we have nurtured through time.”

Principal Poveda, PS 132

Spotlighting Our Partner Schools

IS 528 Bea Fuller Rodgers

Located just across from PS 132, IS 528 Bea Fuller Rodgers is a thriving middle school dedicated to inclusivity, innovation, and academic excellence. For more than two decades, we have worked alongside the school’s leadership to offer a wide range of opportunities that inspire both students and families. At IS 528, creativity and collaboration are at the core of a dynamic learning environment that supports every student’s growth.

Partnership Highlights:

Earned citywide recognition for outstanding attendance and family engagement, supported by holistic programs and transformative interventions.

Secured over $3.4 million in funding to improve school infrastructure, support STEM initiatives, and enhance art integration, creating a solid foundation for student success.

Nurtured creativity through project-based learning in the Urban Arts Creativity Lab, where students explore STEAM subjects such as computer science, game design, and robotics.

“Our partnership has supported our students and families tremendously, giving the community what it needs. The doors of our school are always open!”

Principal Pichardo, IS528 Bea Fuller Rodgers School

Spotlighting Our Partner Schools

Facing History School

Since co-founding Facing History School (FHS) in 2005, Urban Arts has played a crucial role in supporting the school’s commitment to extended learning time programs, providing students with additional opportunities for academic growth and personal development. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, FHS fosters a supportive environment where students thrive through enriched learning experiences. These programs, combined with a dynamic STEAM curriculum, empower students to explore fields like coding, game design, and digital arts, preparing them for future success in both higher education and their careers.

Partnership Highlights:

Strengthened student engagement through leadership programs and student-led restorative justice efforts, leading to improved attendance and graduation rates.

Provided students with mentorship and access to scholarships, empowering them to pursue higher education and career goals.

Engaged students in real-world community issues through the Choose To Participate program, where they create policy solutions and showcase their projects in an annual art and tech gallery, blending creativity with activism.

“Our community partnership with Urban Arts has opened the door to innovative solutions that meet the diverse and complex needs of the students and families we serve. Their impact is felt inside and outside of the classroom. We can't imagine doing this work without their deep investment and partnership in our school community.”

Principal Dana Panagot, Facing History School