OWN 1 MIDDLE SCHOOL


School

ABOUT OWN 1 MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Our World Neighborhood Charter School 1 Middle School (OWNCS1 Middle) is a proud IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in grades 6–8. As part of the OWNCS Charter Network, our middle school provides a challenging, inquiry-based education that fosters intellectual curiosity, global understanding, and personal growth.

The IB MYP curriculum at OWNCS1 Middle is designed to develop independent thinkers who are academically prepared and socially conscious. Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary connections, embrace different perspectives, and engage with local and global issues—all while deepening their skills in core subjects like ELA, math, science, and social studies, along with arts, technology, physical education, and health.

OWNCS1 Middle is committed to cultivating responsible, reflective, and resilient learners through meaningful classroom experiences, project-based learning, and community engagement. Our students don’t just learn facts—they learn how to think, collaborate, and act with integrity.

Technology plays an integral role in our teaching and learning environment. Through platforms like Google Workspace for Education, students build digital literacy and develop essential skills for success in a rapidly changing world.

At OWNCS1 Middle, diversity is celebrated, and every student is known, valued, and supported. We’re more than just a school—we are a learning community where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to grow into caring, internationally minded young leaders.

Welcome to OWNCS1 Middle—an IB World School where knowledge meets purpose, and students are empowered to shape the world around them.

OWN1MS
A day in the Life

Every day is filled with joy, excitement and a love of learning!

Each day begins with a warm welcome.OWNCS students feel like valued members of their close-knit community of teachers and peers—because they are!

SCHOOL LEADER WELCOME

Our World Neighborhood Charter School’s middle school is nestled in the historic Dutch Kills neighborhood of Long Island City and has been a beacon of academic excellence for 23 years. We are committed to delivering the highest quality of education to all our students.

As an accredited International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program School, we have high expectations and provide our students with a rigorous, hands-on, experiential curriculum. Our vibrant school community, where every student can thrive, is a testament to our success and the talents and commitment of our faculty and staff. 

At OWNCS, we provide a robust support network for our teachers, whom we empower through mentoring, coaching, and professional development. Our strong sense of community and belonging allows us to excel at our jobs. 

If you want to work meaningfully and purposefully with students and value camaraderie and teamwork with your colleagues, we invite you to join our welcoming and collaborative environment. 

Educator and young girl collaborating on an educational activity in a vibrant classroom setting.
Educator and young girl collaborating on an educational activity in a vibrant classroom setting.
Anita Angrum

OWNCS 1 MS Principal

OWN1 MS by the Numbers

Languages spoken
at Home
Family Engagement Rate
years serving the community
Grades Served

The OWNCS Learning Experience

A teacher and child painting with brushes and watercolors in a creative classroom setting.
Inquiry-Based Learning

Students explore real-world challenges and create projects to demonstrate what they’ve learned, promoting collaboration and critical thinking.

Joyful teacher engaging with children in a playful classroom setting.
Personalized Learning

Combines teacher guidance and technology to tailor instruction to each student’s learning style and pace.

A teacher and child painting with brushes and watercolors in a creative classroom setting.
Approaches To Learning (ATL)

Integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on projects that encourage creativity and problem-solving.

A teacher and child painting with brushes and watercolors in a creative classroom setting.
STEAM

Integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on projects that encourage creativity and problem-solving.

Joyful teacher engaging with children in a playful classroom setting.
Arts & Enrichment

Offers opportunities in visual arts, music, drama, or digital media to nurture creativity and confidence.

A teacher and child painting with brushes and watercolors in a creative classroom setting.
Physical Education & Wellness

Encourages healthy habits, teamwork, and lifelong fitness through sports, movement, and wellness activities.

A teacher and child painting with brushes and watercolors in a creative classroom setting.
Character & Leadership Education

Builds responsibility, empathy, and teamwork through service projects, classroom discussions, and student leadership roles.

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