Proud Academics

At the Louis Armstrong Elementary School, we want our scholars to feel comfortable taking intellectual risks, embracing the power of their ideas, and engaging collaboratively with their peers on a daily basis.

It is our charge, to instill in them a love of learning and a thirst for exploration.

To support that, our students and teachers bring a vast array of experiences, knowledge, and cultural awareness, which adds to the tapestry of P.S. 143.

Our academic programs, which are aligned to the Next Generation Learning Standards, support our students in getting prepared for the next steps in their academic lives across all disciplines.

Furthermore, to cultivate bi-literacy, we have a long-standing, robust dual language program for all grades.

Our English Language Arts Curriculum

HMH Into Reading – English Curriculum

HMH Into Reading is a comprehensive, research-based literacy curriculum designed to develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

It provides explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, using high-quality, diverse texts to engage students in meaningful learning.

The curriculum incorporates scaffolded support, interactive digital resources, and differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners.

With a focus on building knowledge through content-rich reading materials and fostering a love for literature, HMH Into Reading helps students develop essential literacy skills while encouraging critical thinking and deeper text analysis.

Mathematics

The EnVision math program combines problem-based learning and visual learning to deepen students’ conceptual understanding.

EnVision is used by classrooms across the country and around the world. EnVision packs a unique one-two punch.

Lessons start with Problem-Based Learning (PBL), where students must think critically about a real-world math problem, evaluate options, collaborate, and present solutions.

This is followed by Visual Learning to solidify the underlying math concepts. It’s the best way to help kids better understand math ideas.

Arriba la Lectura

Arriba la Lectura is the Spanish-language

Literacy program used in our Dual Language classes. It is designed to develop reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

It features authentic texts, interactive activities, and culturally relevant content to support biliteracy and language acquisition.

The curriculum includes various genres, explicit instruction in foundational reading skills, and strategies for vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

With scaffolded support, differentiated instruction, and multimedia components, Arriba la Lectura fosters academic language growth and a love for reading.

OG

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) curriculum is a structured

Multisensory approach to teaching literacy, designed to support students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

It focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through explicit, systematic instruction.

Using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques, OG helps students connect sounds to letters, build decoding skills, and develop reading fluency. Lessons are individualized, sequential, and cumulative, ensuring mastery before progressing.

This evidence-based approach is effective for struggling readers but also benefits all students by reinforcing strong foundational literacy skills.

Amplify Science & STEAM

STEAM at our school,

integrated with Amplify, provides a hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

Using Amplify’s research-based approach, students engage in real-world projects, engineering challenges, and activities that encourage exploration and innovation.

The curriculum emphasizes student-driven learning, where students analyze data, build models, and test solutions, deepening their understanding through active discovery.

By combining Amplify’s engaging resources with our hands-on STEAM approach, we create a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for success in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

Social Studies

At P.S. 143Q,

Our Social Studies curriculum is rooted in the Civics for All initiative, designed to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become active and informed members of their communities.

Through engaging lessons and real-world connections, students explore history, government, and current events while developing critical thinking and civic responsibility.

A key component of our program is the Project Soapbox series, which encourages students to speak out on issues they care about through structured, student-led speeches.

This platform fosters student voice, confidence, and advocacy, reinforcing our commitment to developing thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.

To learn more about our science curriculum, check out Amplify Science.