Founded in 1996, Special Music School at Kaufman Music Center (M859) is a citywide K-12 public school for musically gifted students. The school combines intensive instrumental study with a rigorous academic program, providing a strong foundation for a lifetime of music without compromising academic studies. The mission of the Special Music School PTA is to create a warm and welcoming community for all students and families while providing essential support for the school and its faculty. We accomplish these goals through a roster of engaging events, monthly meetings, and fundraising initiatives.
Services
Founded in 1996, Special Music School at Kaufman Music Center (M859) is a citywide K-12 public school for musically gifted students. The school combines intensive instrumental study with a rigorous academic program, providing a strong foundation for a lifetime of music without compromising academic studies.
Every New York City public school is required to establish a School Leadership Team (SLT). The team is comprised of an equal number of parents and teachers, the principal, and in our case, the music director. The parents on the team are elected representatives of the parent body, and each grade block (K-5,6-8, 9-12) has its own parent representative.
To serve as the communication link between the classroom teachers (K-8) or advisors (9-12) and parents/guardians of the grade, the PTA, and the school. Act as a resource by answering questions of parents, especially for those new to the grade. Attend class parent meetings twice a year (Fall and Spring) to share ideas and offer feedback.
We'll get right to the point: the New York City Department of Education isn't able to cover the costs of the exceptional education we want for our children. That's where the PTA comes in. We supplement the DOE's budget, raising additional funds so that our school is able to provide the most enriching curriculum possible.
Reviews (2)
Rella'S. Spielhaus
Mar 13, 2021
This school is just amazing. It's a rare pearl where music is the defining glue. My son did not have any musical education prior to starting piano lessons at SMS. So we really just applied and he was so lucky as to be accepted. We did not have any prior knowledge of the process or any of the teachers.
Scheherazade Miloud
Nov 19, 2019
Keep in mind that thousands of kids apply so your chances into getting in are extremely low! Best chances to get in would be starting kindergarten. My kid didn't get accepted of course because who would accept a kid from the Bronx from a low income family and there music "test" giver to 5 year old? Like which kids would be better at music then other at 5?!
I saw the kid's who attended that school and could tell they were from a more privileged class. When will kids from different low income borough get a chance for once to be able to attend a full music school which we'll never experience or have in our borough! Education should be for everyone not depending where they live or a from or from which district there from!
I saw the kid's who attended that school and could tell they were from a more privileged class. When will kids from different low income borough get a chance for once to be able to attend a full music school which we'll never experience or have in our borough! Education should be for everyone not depending where they live or a from or from which district there from!
