Bank Street College of Education
New York, NY
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Bank Street College of Education
Bank Street: Pioneering progressive education and fostering child development since 1916.
Bank Street College of Education stands as a beacon of progressive education, dedicated to fostering the intellectual and emotional growth of children and the educators who guide them. More than just a graduate school, it uniquely integrates a vibrant preschool, elementary, and middle school – the Bank Street School for Children – creating a dynamic living laboratory for its innovative teaching philosophies. This institution is renowned for its profound impact on early childhood and elementary education, shaping generations of teachers and educational practices with a child-centered approach.
The college's roots trace back to the Bureau of Educational Experiments, established in 1916 by visionary leaders Lucy Sprague Mitchell, Wesley Clair Mitchell, and Harriet Merrill Johnson. Driven by a desire to research and advance experimental education, the Bureau drew inspiration from educational giants Edward Thorndike and John Dewey. Its iconic name reflects its long-standing location at 69 Bank Street in Greenwich Village, a hub where pioneering ideas in education took shape and flourished.
Bank Street's academic prowess is exemplified by its Graduate School of Education, which began awarding Master of Science degrees after receiving accreditation from the New York State Board of Regents. With a significant faculty and a predominantly female student body, the graduate school continues to shape educational leaders. Its direct connection to the Bank Street School for Children is unparalleled, with many instructors being alumni or current graduate students, ensuring a practical, hands-on learning environment. The School for Children itself boasts an impressive 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and significant financial aid, reflecting the institution's commitment to accessibility and quality education.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1916 as the Bureau of Educational Experiments, pioneering research in progressive education.
- ✦Received a $1,000,000 grant from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in 1958 for a five-year study on improving mental health development in schools for younger children.
- ✦Served as an academic consultant during the development of "Multiplication Rock," the first series of "Schoolhouse Rock!".
- ✦The Bank Street School for Children maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 6:1, with an average class size of 39.
- ✦Approximately 59% of applicants to the School for Children receive financial aid, with an average amount around $21,618.
- ✦The Graduate School of Education enrolls about 844 students, of whom 87% are female, and is accredited to award Master of Science degrees.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
2 notable schools within Bank Street College of Education
Bank Street School for Children
A coed private preschool, elementary school, and middle school for children in nursery through eighth grade, serving as a dynamic learning lab within the college.
Graduate School of Education
Accredited by the Board of Regents of New York State, it focuses on teacher education and training, awarding Master of Science degrees.
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