718-369-7603
Our Curriculum
MS 51 provides a rich, challenging academic program that will engage students who are growing through a variety of developmental and emotional stages.
Additional academic support is available after school for students in all grades if needed.
Math
The illustrative Mathematics (IM) curriculum is designed to foster a stronger understanding for mathematics among middle school and Algebra 1 students. This curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking through interactive and engaging learning experiences. Algebra 1 students benefit from the curriculum's focus on connecting algebraic concepts with real-world applications, enhancing their ability to reason abstractly and quantitatively. All of our students take the Algebra 1 regents in Grade 8, which may result in earning high school Regents credit.
Science
The Amplify Science curriculum is comprehensive science program built around scientific phenomena-based learning and uses a three dimensional approach to teaching and learning. Students are engaged in using the scientific and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas simultaneously. All students take the Biology Regents in Grade 8, which may result in earning high school Regents credit.
English Language Arts
HMH into Literature is a comprehensive English Language Arts program that offers rich content, actionable insights, personalized learning, and standards-based instruction. High-interest, relevant materials motivate students and serve to build agency and a growth mindset. For the 2025-2026 school year, all students take the ELA Regents in Grade 8, which may result in earning high school Regents credit.
Social Studies
The NYCDOE Passport to Social Studies is a comprehensive Instructional resource that integrates the New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework to support strong social studies teaching and learning. This program challenges students to raise questions, think critically, consider many perspectives, and gather evidence in support of their interpretations through the practice of chronological processing, decision-making, and historical research and analysis. These real-world skills will serve students well as participating citizens of a democracy. All students take the U.S. History Regents in Grade 8, which may result in earning high school Regents credit.
Physical Education
Discover the thrill of P.E. at MS51, where our dynamic athletic program takes fitness to the next level! Embrace the excitement of NYC FITNESSGRAM as you join our vibrant community of students committed to their health and well-being. Our state-of-the-art gymnasium provides the perfect backdrop for you to refine your athletic prowess, and when the sun shines, our inviting outdoor courts and expansive field beckon you to play, learn, and grow. Get ready to elevate your physical fitness journey at MS51-where the thrill of sport meets the joy of learning!
AP Language and Culture
We offer AP Spanish, AP Chinese, and AP French Language and Culture three-year immersion programs. Students in these programs can take the AP College exams, which can go towards college language credit
World Languages:
Students who do not participate in the AP Language and Culture tracks take Spanish, Chinese or French for their World Language credit. All eligible grade 8 students can take the World Languages Checkpoint A exam, which can go towards high school credit.
Talent Program
Our award-winning talent program is the result of our uniquely talented and experienced teaching artists creating fabulous programs over the past 15 years. Our talent selection includes: Dance, Drama, Fine Arts, Instrumental Music, Photography, Vocal Music. Students are immersed in their talent four periods per week over three years and many talents require additional time commitments for rehearsal, travel, and performances. Once admitted to MS51, students audition for their talent of choice. Performances and art exhibitions happen throughout the year. Our talented students audition for and are accepted to the most competitive, top performing arts high schools in NYC.
Dance:
-
6th grade curriculum includes Ballet and Modern dance technique, as well as composition and improvisation
-
7th grade curriculum includes West African and Caribbean Folk forms, Jazz, and Dance History
-
8th grade curriculum includes Ballet and Contemporary, Musical Theater Jazz and Hip-Hop
-
Additional Dance Company programs offered for advanced students
Drama:
The Drama Program is a three-year sequential drama program that incorporates extensive use of the Process Drama work of Cecily O’Neill as well as playwriting, set building, acting, creative play, fight choreography, scene study, Shakespeare, costume design, and storytelling. Students will study plays from Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, August Wilson, Lynn Nottage, Samuel Beckett, as well as a new concentration on Asian American playwrights.
Instrumental Music:
-
Brass and Woodwinds
-
No prior music knowledge is needed to go from basic to mastery by grade 8.
-
Jazz band – Best middle school jazz band in NYC
Fine Arts :
From watercolors to sculpting, our three year program features numerous opportunities to explore various media, artistic styles, skills, and personal vision to prepare students for Specialized Art High Schools throughout NYC.
Photography/Mixed Media:
-
Digital photography and darkroom
-
Create pin cameras and portfolios
-
Create and develop photos
-
Work to edit collections
Vocal Music :
-
Breath projection and enunciation for performances
-
Not just singing but movement and dance
-
All students have the opportunity to audition for solos
Additional classes:
Health Education: Mental Wellness, nutrition, puberty/sexual health, drug prevention, physical activity
Computer Science/Digital Literacy: Keyboarding, digital citizenship and safety, coding
