FAQs

Growing Up Green Charter Schools is a group of four public charter schools located in Queens, New York. We have an elementary and middle school in Long Island City (District 30) and an elementary and middle school in Jamaica (District 28).

From a balanced day that includes recess, special area classes, art, and music, to our whole child approach to social-emotional learning, to our experiential learning component through out-of-the-classroom trips, experiences, and guests, GUG supports students in their growth and development daily in a multitude of ways.

GUG inspires curiosity and a love of learning through exploration, discovery, inquisition, and experiential learning. Lessons involve exploring new skills and concepts to build foundational knowledge and higher-level thinking in all subject areas.

GUG uses Responsive Classroom & Developmental Designs as the basis of its social-emotional learning program. This includes a balanced, equitable approach to discipline that is grounded in logical consequences for mistakes, empowering students to grow and learn from challenges, and restorative practices. GUG also maintains a safe school setting by having a strong security presence at all campuses and by practicing safety drills several times annually.

Through open and clear communication, welcoming school environments, and a wide range of family events and experiences, GUG has strong partnerships with all families. It is one of the key things that families enjoy so much about the community.

GUG offers art, music, PE, health, science, and sustainability courses across our elementary and middle schools. GUG middle schools have a variety of sports teams that compete in the Charter School Athletic Association against other NYC charter schools. Additionally, all GUG campuses offer after-school programming.

GUG’s calendar can be found here. The school year typically begins the day after Labor Day and ends in late June. The school day runs from 8:00am-3:15pm.

Yes, GUG provides school bus transportation through the NYC Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) for students in grades Kindergarten through 6th (pending eligibility requirements). GUG also offers OMNY cards to use NYC MTA public transportation (for students who qualify).

Yes, GUG offers free breakfast and lunch to all students in all grades.

Yes, all GUG students are expected to wear uniforms daily. More information on school uniforms can be found on each of our School pages.

GUG provides specialized support and instruction for at-risk students, multi-language learners, and students receiving special education services. Supports include classrooms with Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) and Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS), speech/language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and hearing services. GUG’s counselors and deans also play a big role in contributing to support our students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.

A charter school is a public school that operates under a charter, with an authorizer, such as a state or local government. Charter schools are an alternative to traditional public schools and offer more flexibility and innovation. GUG is authorized by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

GUG appreciates any and all contributions from families, friends, community members, alumni, and donors. To donate, please click here.

GUG’s core values are Kindness, Courage, Collaboration, and Social Justice.

GUG has a strong commitment to social justice and equity, as seen in our core values and mission statement. GUG promotes activism and advocacy through our curriculum, experiential learning, and school culture.

In New York City, children enter kindergarten in September of the calendar year they turn five years old.

GUG offers programming from kindergarten through 8th grade.

There are no requirements or criteria to apply for or attend GUG. Lottery preference is given first to siblings of students already enrolled at the school. Second preference is given to students residing within the School District, and finally the lottery is open to all NYC residents living outside the district.

GUG prepares students for high school by providing a strong, well-rounded academic foundation that incorporates a variety of core and specialized subject area offerings. Additionally, both GUG middle schools have a school counselor dedicated to supporting students with the high school admissions process.

The fastest and easiest way for families to apply is directly on the GUG website by clicking here and filling out GUG’s online application. Additionally, families can apply to our schools using the online NYC Common Application, or by paper application.

Yes, you may apply in person by visiting one of the four school buildings.

Yes, there is no cost to attend. GUG is a FREE public school.

To apply for an open position, please complete an online application via our Careers page here.

GUG offers careers for a wide range of educational professionals, including, general education teachers, subject area teachers (math/science/ELA/social studies), special education teachers, school leadership, instructional coaches, operations staff, custodial, IT, HR, finance, & more.

To refer someone, have them apply directly through our Careers page here. Once they’ve applied, send an email to careers@gugcs.org with their name & email address, letting us know that you referred them!

At GUG, all teachers have an instructional coach that supports them with their unit and lesson planning, classroom routines, and ongoing instructional feedback. Additionally, GUG has grade team and department meetings to share best practices and problem-solve challenges. GUG also offers ongoing professional development opportunities to all staff members.

GUG teachers typically arrive before the start of the day to prepare their spaces to welcome students for the start of the day, which is Morning Meeting (elementary schools) or Advisory (middle schools). They teach their class (or class sections at the middle schools) throughout the day, while also having sufficient prep time to prepare materials for future lessons and to take care of logistical tasks, family communication, grading, and more. Teachers are supported throughout the day by school deans, counselors, coaches, and school leaders.

GUG promotes staff members staying for many years and one way in which we do this is by opening up leadership opportunities to internal staff members first. Additionally, GUG has a strong professional development and growth program that involves weekly PD, 4 full professional development days annually, and partners with the NYC Charter School Center to send staff to workshops and conferences.