Schools
GUG I Elementary School
About GUG I Elementary School
At GUG I Elementary School, located in Long Island City, we believe that children are remarkable individuals with unlimited potential. When your child attends GUG, they are seen, valued, and celebrated as a unique individual. This personalized approach allows every child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We nurture the whole child through a rich blend of academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. Our students embark on frequent field trips, exploring the world around them while building curiosity and a love for learning.
Guided by our core values of Kindness, Collaboration, Courage, and Social Justice, we empower students to think critically and advocate for themselves and others. At GUG, we believe in the power of family partnership and community engagement, working together to create a vibrant, supportive environment for every child.
We are proud to build a community of lifelong learners and caring citizens. Join us as we cultivate a brighter future, one student at a time!
School Leader Welcome
Welcome to GUG I Elementary where we believe that academics should be transformational, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We pride ourselves on joyful and safe classroom communities, rigorous academic experiences, and social-emotional learning. Our school strives to create an equitable and inclusive space, where all members of our community feel supported and valued. In this learning community, your child will build friendships and connections that create a warm, enjoyable, and secure school experience
As a diverse-by-design school, we embrace and value differences and believe that exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives is essential for personal growth and learning. We encourage our students to look at the world critically, using their voices to advocate for themselves and others.
We are thrilled to welcome you to our school community and appreciate all that you bring!
Anabel Schmelz
School Leader
Johanna Kriegel
Assistant School Leader
GUG I ES by the Numbers
K-5
Grades Served
500+
Students
15
Field Trips per month
15:1
Student:Teacher Ratio
School Programs
Holistic Social Emotional Learning
Relationships are the foundation of your child’s academic growth and social-emotional development. We create strong classroom communities that collaborate to write their own set of expectations or “charters.” Our families are welcome to participate in morning meetings, publishing parties, and many other classroom events.
Rigorous, Hands-on Academics
We are committed to empowering our students through challenging and exploratory learning opportunities that expose them to real-world content. Our literacy curriculum builds a sturdy educational foundation with a Science of Reading-based phonics program in grades K-2 as well as engaging writing and reading units of study. Our math program emphasizes exploration and process over product.
Small Group Learning
Our small group instruction and cooperative learning opportunities ensure that our students receive individualized instruction and high support in a nurturing environment. Our Support Services department provides a range of services and therapies, including on-site speech and language therapists, a team of learning specialists (certified special education teachers) so that all students can be successful. Our comprehensive special education program includes at least one Integrated Co-Teaching Classroom (ICT) in each Elementary grade, and a 12:1:1 Bridge class. Our students also receive support from counseling staff, including two Deans of Students and two Counselors.
Explore & Discover Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum, better known as “Explore & Discover Time,” makes project-based and hands-on learning a part of your child’s everyday school experience.
Enrichment Activities for All
Students participate in weekly music, art, Spanish, and Physical Education classes in all grades. Additionally, all students have recess every day.
After School Program: Legacy
Growing Up Green is excited to partner with Legacy Youth Organization to deliver quality after school care.
Legacy after-school programs support working families with quality educational and recreational activities that inspire children to succeed. We have reinvented after-school to be more affordable while keeping a high level of quality for your child. It is without a doubt that you will notice our dedication and passion for today’s youth and their families.
School Uniforms
At Growing Up Green, we give our students the opportunity for expression, but within school guidelines. With that in mind, please see below for proper uniform requirements and where to purchase them. Click below to purchase school uniforms.
School Handbook
Access all the essential school policies and guidelines in our comprehensive handbook. Click the button below to download your copy and stay informed.
