Schools
GUG I Middle School
About GUG I Middle School
Growing Up Green Middle School I, located in Long Island City, is a 6-8 grade school dedicated to preparing our students for success in high-performing high schools.
As a grade 6-8 school, we build on the strong foundation established in grades K-5, guiding students through the transition to young adulthood and preparing them for the next phase of their educational journey. Students engage in inquiry-based and project-based learning through our rigorous curriculum.
We believe in nurturing the whole child through our restorative practices and a school structure that fosters both in and out-of-classroom experiences such as field trips and community-based projects.
School Leader Welcome
It is with great pride that we welcome you to Growing Up Green Middle School, a place where students are empowered to grow, learn, and thrive. Our school is more than just a building; it is a vibrant, caring community rooted in our core values of Kindness, Collaboration, Courage, and Social Justice. These principles guide everything we do, shaping our students into compassionate individuals, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. We believe in the transformative power of education to inspire young minds and nurture the whole child. Through our engaging and rigorous curriculum, restorative practices, and meaningful out-of-classroom experiences, we cultivate students who are not only prepared for academic success but also for life as empathetic and confident contributors to our society.
Our mission is to build a foundation for lifelong learning and character development, and this journey would not be possible without the partnership of our families and the dedication of our incredible staff. Together, we create a supportive environment where every child is seen, valued, and celebrated.
Thank you for choosing to be part of the Growing Up Green family. I am excited about the bright futures we are building here, one student at a time.
Leticha Fraser
School Leader
Derneeka Cruse
Assistant School Leader
GUG I MS by the Numbers
6-8
Grades Served
270+
Students
20-24
Students Per Class
90%
of students receive an offer to their top 3 High School choices
School Programs
Regents Classes Offered in 8th Grade
Our students have the opportunity to earn high school Regents credits in Algebra I and Living Environment, equipping them with a strong academic foundation for future success.
High School Readiness and Application Support
We have a dedicated High School counselor who begins working with students and their families in seventh grade. We support students in building a strong NYC public school application including screened high school programs, portfolios, and through taking specialized high school exams, catholic high school exams, or arts auditions.
Sustainability & Science
In addition to the NYS Science Learning Standards, GUG offers students the chance to engage in sustainability and science in our weekly science lab. Teachers use both class and lab time to focus on learning standards and green themes in context. Students gain a deeper understanding of scientific principles and how those translate into wider topics important to their communities.
Rigorous, Hands-on Academics
We are committed to empowering our students through challenging and exploratory learning opportunities that expose them to real-world content. To foster this, we provide ample opportunities to engage with academic material through field trips and multi-disciplinary projects.
Robust Academic Support for All Learners
Our comprehensive special education program includes one or two Integrated Co-Teaching Classroom (ICT) classes per subject area (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Our robust special education staffing model includes a Director of Support Services and Intervention in each of our buildings, learning specialists (certified special education teachers), and on-site speech and language therapists. They are supported by a knowledgeable team including counselors, Deans of Students and High School Placement Counselors.
After School Sports & Clubs
Home of the GUG Goats!
We offer a robust selection of after school programs staffed by our teachers, such as Sustainability, Creative Writing, Newspaper & Media club, Step Club, Musical Theatre Appreciation, and Documentary filmmaking.
Seasonal Sports Teams and Academic Clubs:
Volleyball, Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer
Lego Robotics Team
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.
