Welcome to P.S. 8
The Robert Fulton School

Introduction

P.S. 8, also known as The Robert Fulton School and The Magnet School for Exploration, Research and Design, opened in 1846 at 65 Middagh Street between Hicks and Henry (now marked with a brass plaque). As the population of Brooklyn boomed in the late nineteenth century, the school outgrew its building, and construction began on the current red brick building, which opened 100 years ago in 1906. Previously, the address was the residence of John A. Roebling, chief engineer and principal designer of the Brooklyn Bridge. The school once held grades K-8, but in 2004 it settled on its current enrollment of pre-K through 5th grade students. Like the community it serves, P.S. 8 is both historic and modern.

PS8 Newsletter, "Currents"

This is a PDF version of the latest PS8 Newsletter, Currents:
Currents 4.1

Previous versions of currents are here:
Currents 3.2
Currents 3.1
Currents 2.2
Currents 2.1
Currents 1.2
Currents 1.1

PS 8 Handbook

A PDF version of the official PS 8 Parent/Student Handbook for 2007-2008

Click here to download (PDF)

PS 8 Brochure

A PDF version of the PS8 School Brochure.

Click here to download (PDF file)

Who Was Robert Fulton?

Widely and wrongly credited with having invented the steamship, Fulton actually was an engineer who refined and improved the steamship design to make it practical. After the launch of his first working steamboat, which traveled on the Hudson River from New York City to Albany in August 1807, he and a partner founded a successful commercial steamboat service between the cities and a ferry service that connected Brooklyn to lower Manhattan.

What Is a Magnet School?

Newly designated a magnet school, P.S. 8 is one of several neighborhood schools in Brooklyn to receive U. S. Department of Education funding to develop unique programs to attract children from many neighborhoods. Offerings at these schools include studies in music to programs in math and science, among many others.

What Does "The Magnet School for Exploration, Research and Design" Mean?

P.S. 8 has received a magnet school grant to provide enrichment programs to all grades based on the Renzulli model of giftedness. Dr. Joseph Renzulli believes that all children have gifts and that schools should cultivate each child's individual talents. At P.S. 8 we encourage children to explore their areas of interest, to research whatever they are passionate about, and to design products, solve problems, and present their conclusions. Students become experts in their own fields. You can learn more about the Renzulli model at renzullilearning.com.

Zoning

P.S. 8 is located in District 13 within Region 8 of the NYC Department of Education.