About Us

Join Our Family

Welcome to PS 196: The Williamsburg Bridge Magnet School for Communication and Mixed Media Arts (also known as 196WBMS). We are a 3K – 5 magnet school located in the East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn and serving students from across New York City. When you walk through our doors, you will find a warm, supportive learning environment where students can explore, discover and express themselves. We are proud to have a dedicated, professional teaching staff with a deep commitment to our community; many of our teachers have been with us for more than a decade. We take the time to get to know every child and family, so we can work together to help every child succeed.

 

  • Pre-K Students hold hands up and look at their shadow on the ground.

    Pre-K checking out their shadows.

  • 1st grade student is dressed up like an old man.

    100th Day of School!

  • Table of students eating pancakes.

    Pancake Breakfast.

Celebrating the Whole Child

At 196WBMS, we are committed to a “whole child” approach to education. What does that mean? It means going beyond meeting grade-level academic standards to meet the total needs of every child. That includes:

  • Academic supports and enrichment programs to provide the right level of challenge for every student
  • Art, music and theater programs to encourage creativity and self-expression
  • Health and wellness education to support strong bodies and minds
  • Social-emotional learning programs to build character and create a positive learning environment
  • In-school programs and community-based partnerships to connect students and families to resources

Communication and Mixed Media Arts

Our magnet theme is Communication and Mixed Media Arts. We use an active, hands-on approach to learning that infuses the arts into everything we do. Through this approach, our students develop the skills they need for success in higher education and the 21st-century workforce, including creativity, communication skills, critical thinking and collaboration. Our magnet theme comes to life through:

  • Project-based learning opportunities that integrate academic curriculum with applied arts and communication.
  • A 1:1 technology program for students in grades K – 5, which allows us to support digital arts and STEM learning.
  • Partnerships with community organizations that bring theater and the arts into the classroom and our after-school programs.
  • Special facilities including our art studio, hydroponics lab and computer room.

What is a Magnet School?

We are a magnet school within the New York City DOE. As a magnet school, we are a public school, but we are open to any student within the five boroughs of New York City, not just students in our zone. Our magnet school grant provides additional funding to support special programs, facilities and partnerships around our magnet theme. Read more about New York City magnet schools.

Our Team

  • Group of the whole school staff.

    School Staff

Our Mission

The community of 196WBMS is committed to working towards the enhancement of our standards-driven instructional program, creating high levels of academic excellence for all of our students in each of the disciplines.

We will continue to provide a safe environment that empowers all children, including English Language Learners and students with special needs, to experience greater success and confidence in themselves, allowing them to grow socially, emotionally, as well as academically into well-rounded productive citizens.

Enrollment

As an NYC Magnet School, we welcome applications from all students within the five boroughs of New York City. First priority is given to students living within our zoned area; however, we accept applications from all zones. Find your attendance zone and district.

Visit Us

To learn more about us, call us

at 718-497-0139 to schedule a tour.

Getting Here

We are located in the East Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn. We are just one block from the Montrose stop on the L train and near the B43 bus line.