MS 53 BRIAN PICCOLO

MS 53 BRIAN PICCOLO is a Title I public middle school that is part of the NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT #27 school district, located in FAR ROCKAWAY, NY with about 271 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 24 teachers, MS 53 BRIAN PICCOLO has a student/teacher ratio of about 11:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

MS 53, also known as the Brian Piccolo School, is a public middle school located in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, New York. Serving students in grades 6 through 8, the school is part of the New York City Department of Education’s District 27. It is named in honor of Brian Piccolo, the legendary Chicago Bears running back whose life and struggle with cancer were immortalized in the film *Brian's Song*, emphasizing values of perseverance, teamwork, and character.

The school is dedicated to fostering a supportive academic environment that prioritizes literacy, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. MS 53 focuses on preparing its students for the transition to high school by offering a variety of extracurricular activities, arts programs, and academic interventions designed to meet the diverse needs of the local Far Rockaway community. As a neighborhood anchor, the school aims to bridge the gap between academic rigor and student engagement, striving to empower its young learners to achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

For more information, contact MS 53 BRIAN PICCOLO at (718) 471-6900 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.