Our School

Community School #1 is a small, independent elementary school built on the principles of academic excellence, responsible citizenship and sense of community. Our small enrollment allows us to work individually with each child. We challenge students to reach their 'personal best' while promoting high academic standards for all. We foster self-reliance and a strong school community, as the children learn to care for themselves and each other. The daily interactions between students strengthen the values of respect, responsibility and resourcefulness.

We extend the classroom into the broader community with numerous field trips during the school year. The arts are integrated with all subjects and enrich the curriculum. C.S. #1 is located near an urban environment with a wealth of learning resources, and we utilize these to support our endeavors and to encourage commitment to serving others.

Parents are an integral part of the educational process at C.S. #1 Elementary. They must commit to support our program and be active partners in this process. This is required in order to achieve our individual goals for each learner. We are dependent upon this support for a successful educational experience for students.

C.S. #1 students are readily accepted by other local school programs, both private and public, upon graduation and continue to excel.

Our History

Our school was founded by Pat and Marshall Martin in 1972 as Jonathan's Place and named for their son. In 1981, the name was changed to P.S.1 Elementary, for Private School, under the directorship of Punky Beasley Thomas and Karen Lieneke. The name changed again in 1998 to Community School #1 Elementary to reflect the community based nature of our curriculum. Rebecca Liberty was the school's director from 1998 - 2007. CS#1 is currently under the leadership of Linda Powers. Over the years the school, students and teachers have won numerous and varied awards. Our teachers are experienced professionals with solid reputations in the educational community. References are available upon request.