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The Computer School

100 West 77th Street New York, NY 10024

Monday - Friday

9:00am - 3:20pm



[email protected]

The Computer School

100 West 77th Street, New York, NY 10024



The Computer School Curriculum

English / Language Arts

English Language Arts is the study and practice of reading, writing, listening and speaking. We introduce students to great literature, challenge them to think deeply and expansively, and help them find their voice. The curriculum is thematic and spans multiple genres, including fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, drama, film and other media. Throughout the year, students critically analyze what they read, hear and see. They learn to make connections and identify various literary elements and text structures. Additionally, they become prolific and skillful writers in a variety of genres, such as literary essays, research papers, poetry and fiction. In addition to these frequent writing assignments, students build vocabulary and grammar skills, which are aligned, to the Common Core Curriculum. Looking into an ELA classroom at any given moment, you might see students engaged in lively discussion, theatrical presentations, shared reading, focused writing, and collaborative projects.


The Mathematics Department helps students fully develop their mathematical skills at a pace that is appropriate for each of them. Students are grouped by math abilities, so that those who need more assistance in “math basics” can receive the extra support they require, while those who are more fluent in the area can progress at their own speed. Thus, the Computer School’s math curriculum ensures the appropriate level of challenge and acceleration for students. Consistent with the Computer School’s inter-disciplinary curriculum, math standards are frequently connected to the other subjects. Students in accelerated math sit for the Common Core Algebra Regents exam. Regardless of students’ mathematical abilities on entering the Computer School, they will leave with a solid understanding of the Common Core Mathematics Standards.

Global Studies: 8th grade

The Global Studies curriculum centers on a thoughtful examination of the past and our place in the world today. Units include ancient civilizations, world religions, expansion and colonialism, and world revolutions – all viewed through various historical and sociological lenses. Throughout the year, students address world problems such as economic inequality, civil and human rights, woman’s rights, war, genocide, tolerance, freedom and social change; they examine their roles as members of the world community. Assignments offer rigorous preparation for high school, and require primary and secondary source analysis, advanced writing, mapping and other topographical skills, creating time-lines, and partaking in class debates.

Social Studies: 6/7th Grades

The social studies curriculum is designed to give students historical knowledge, excellent research and speaking skills, a keen sense of geography, strong reading and writing skills, and most of all, a love of history. We do so through the study of current events, civics, politics, and geography. Students are challenged to not just learn history, but be Social Scientists and ask ‘Why’ from history. Students learn from a wide variety of sources such as maps, newspapers, memoirs, paintings, posters, historical documents, and textbooks. The city is often used as a classroom as well, with students making frequent walking tours, or trips to places such as Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum, Philadelphia, and the Constitution Works Trip to supplement their knowledge of the particular topic being discussed. Social Studies and English assignments are generally coordinated, consistent with the school’s inter-disciplinary approach.

Earth Science: 8th grade

The Earth Science curriculum offers a wide-ranging study of the earth, from how it was formed to how it fits within the universe. Students learn, for example, about different rock classifications, the phases of the moon and astronomy. They supplement their studies with numerous trips to the Natural History Museum, and the trip to Camp Ramapo in the fall, where they explore nature and can see stars that are rarely visible in the glare of the City’s lights.

Life/Physical Science: 6/7th Grades

In 6/7 Science, students are exposed to scientific content in areas of both life science and physical science (life science refers to biology and animals, and physical science refers to matter, and what is around us). Students study global climate change, the environment, and issues that affect the global community such as health care. They are taught through hands-on activities, and learn how to conduct scientific experiments, setting forth their hypotheses and carefully going through the necessary steps to prove or disprove them. When they write up their experiments, they further hone their critical thinking and writing skills.


(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art + Mathematics) The iterative design and engineering cycle is the basis of all student exploration and learning in the STEAM lab. The lab time provides opportunities for students to explore powerful ideas through student-driven exploration. Learners are engaged in multiple and diverse ways of constructing their understanding of the world around them. Learners are able to demonstrate their understandings of this world through a variety of tools and media where innovation and creativity are what drives their ideas.


The Computer School strongly believes that art is a fundamental part of the curriculum, and helps students better understand their world and themselves. In grades 6 and 7, the two-year curriculum includes perspective and architecture, proportions, water colors, sculpture, silk screening, and collages, as well as learning about famous artists, such as Romare Bearden, and Frida Kahlo . 8th grade offers a continuation of these studies, and includes investigating world cultures throughout history such as: Contemporary Art, Greek, Egyptian and Islamic studies. Students regularly visit museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art to see first-hand much of the art they are studying.


The more students are immersed in the Spanish language, the more productive their study of the language and culture will be. Through exposure to language and literature students are provided with a multitude of opportunities to speak, read, write, and listen to the Spanish language. Regardless of whether students are just beginning Spanish or speak it at home, their Spanish skills improve through the continuous practice they receive at the Computer School.

Physical Education

That students should have active and healthy lifestyles is the underlying premise of the Computer School’s physical education program. The physical education classes give students a safe and structured environment in which to be physically active and learn about the lifelong benefits of consistent physical activity. It also serves as a forum to help increase self esteem and awareness, build community, and improve skills such as cooperation, teamwork, and collaboration.