Welcome to PS 295
Virtual Tour
Welcome from the Principal
Dear families,
I am thrilled to extend a warm greeting to your family as you consider joining our vibrant school community. Our dedicated staff and I are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
We have an exciting year ahead filled with innovative learning opportunities, engaging activities for your entire family, and plenty of ways to make lasting friendships.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly. I value your questions, ideas, and feedback. It is my hope that we will continue to foster open communication and collaboration all year long. I am here for you and I’m happy to help!
Jean Marie McInerney, Principal
jmcinerney@schools.nyc.gov
PS 295 is located at the intersection of South Slope, Greenwood Heights, and Sunset Park neighborhoods, nestled on quiet residential streets next to the popular local playground, Slope Park, steps from Green Wood Cemetery, and a ten-minute stroll from Prospect Park.
School History
Since 1903, our turn-of-the-century brick school building has served the diverse communities of South Brooklyn, originally called Public School 146.
PS 295 was founded in 1996 with a parent-driven emphasis on visual arts, theater, dance, music, writing, culture, and inclusive special education for local elementary students in small classroom settings.
Starting in 1998, our school co-located with MS 443: New Voices, The School of Academic and Creative Arts, who shares the common spaces (gym, lunchroom, theater, outdoor spaces) and primarily operates in classrooms on the top two floors for middle school students in grades 6–8.
School Amenities
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18th Street Courtyard
Our main entrance into the school features outdoor picnic tables.
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Main Lobby
Plan to bring your photo identification to enter PS 295.
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Cafeteria
Our large and small cafeterias serve both PS 295 and New Voices at separate times during the day with free and healthy breakfast and lunch.
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Stairwell
Every floor features eight staircases that are well marked with directional signage.
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Bulletin Board
Classes rotate through collaborative displays and projects on walls throughout the school.
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Classroom Hallway
Our hallways are colorful, bright, and easy to navigate.
In the Classroom
All of our classrooms are designed to provide spacious, light-filled, and engaging learning environments. Thanks to a grant awarded in 2025 (part of NYC’s Class Size Reduction Plan), PS 295 classes do not exceed 20 students. Each of our classrooms has a maximum of 15 students in 3-K, 18 students in Pre-K, 25 students in Kindergarten, and 32 students in Grades 1–5.
Our 3-K and Pre-K classes include one teacher and one paraprofessional. Every grade K–5 has an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) class with one General Education (GE) teacher and one Special Education (SE) teacher. The expected classroom setup by grade level varies each school year; you can inquire for more details.
Specialized Classrooms
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Art Studio
Generously equipped to meet every creative idea, this studio offers fresh ways for students to express themselves through diverse visual mediums.
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Auditorium
Our 400-seat auditorium and stage is shared with New Voices Middle School to host school-wide assemblies and events.
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Science Lab
Our lab is furnished with tools for teachers to use to bring inquiry and discovery to life.
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Dance Studio
Our brightly-lit studio can be used by classes for dance, movement, and residency programs.
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Library
Our quiet and inviting library is organized by family volunteers and shared with New Voices Middle School, featuring reading nooks and a media center.
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Movement and Exploration Room
Our brand-new, open-format, sensory-friendly space is used by all classes; the first of its kind in NYC District 15.
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Theater Arts Studio
Students in every grade use this flexible open-format space to explore dramatic arts and imaginative expression.
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Music Room
PS 295 is well-stocked with a variety of brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments.
School Services
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Teacher Communication
We host Class Visit Days where parents and caregivers are invited into the classroom to meet the teachers, preview the curriculum, and explore current student projects.
There is time allotted every week for teacher and family communication, so you can stay connected in-person and virtually with your child’s educational experiences.
Every class uses ParentSquare to share photos and updates (available via email, text, website, and mobile app) throughout the school year to invite families to stay informed about daily activities.
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Individualized Education Program
We are an enthusiastic provider of special education services through inclusive, welcoming learning environments to support and address each student’s academic needs and goals in the least-restrictive environment.
Our staff includes a guidance counselor, occupational therapist, speech therapist, physical therapist, school psychologist, and a School Based Support Team (SBST) who collaborate with teachers and families on students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP).
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Health and Safety Support Team
PS 295 has a full-time Department of Education nurse on site providing key health supports and medical needs. Our nurse will reach out directly to designated caretakers in real-time when family support is required. Students will also bring home a report from all nurse visits. New York State health curriculum is taught by classroom teachers in grades K-5.
PS 295 has a full-time school safety agent from the New York Police Department 72nd Precinct on-site throughout the school year. A minimum of 15 Safety drills are conducted throughout the school year. Three bus drills, eight fire drills, and four soft lockdown drills.
Play Spaces
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School Playground
Opened in 2022, this private tree-shaded space features student-designed elements, including climbing equipment, turf field, game tables, built-in stage, green roof gazebo, benches, and colorful murals.
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19th Street Courtyard
Our large enclosed, private, outdoor courtyard hosts fitness and cultural programs throughout the year.
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Half-Court Gym
Our multi-sport gymnasium features half-court basketball setup and age-appropriate recreation equipment.
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Slope Park
This NYC Parks Department playground is next to our school playground on the same block and features play equipment, fountains, and swings.
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Prospect Park
Nine blocks away, this 526-acre park’s green spaces are the destination for our school’s annual Field Day.
Extracurricular Programs
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After School
We partner with the after school provider, Right At School, a nationally recognized provider of a safe, joyful, enriching, and enrichment-based childcare.
This program will be available for all students in 3-K, Pre-K, and Grades K–5 and runs every day school is in session, from 2:40—6:00pm, in the PS 295 classrooms we use during the school day.
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Pride Community
Our student-led community moderated by PS 295 teachers meets monthly over lunch to provide an encouraging and inclusive platform for everyone to share their voice and learn from each other.
Our school is also an enthusiastic participant in the annual, family-centered Brooklyn Pride Parade neighborhood celebration in Park Slope.
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Family Events
PS 295’s Family Teacher Association is a thriving and active nonprofit that plans diverse events and programs to bring the school family together.
FTA hosts events including movie nights, bake sales, workshops, cultural celebrations, service projects, and our premiere neighborhood annual festival, Touch A Truck.
