About Us

PS 34 Mission Statement

At PS 34 we are committed to the academic success of every child. The school’s mission is to teach a rigorous academic curriculum, complemented by a wide range of enrichment opportunities, inclusive of the arts, in a supportive and safe environment. Our students are challenged to become lifelong learners who are well prepared for the demands of the 21st century. We believe the high expectations of today will nurture successful and productive citizens of tomorrow. As a community of professional learners, we empower our students to grow academically by teaching them critical and analytical thinking skills in full alignment with state and national standards. Supported by and in collaboration with families and community members, we expect students to aim high by addressing the individual needs of diverse learners and by strengthening the development of a well-rounded child who is fully prepared for their educational complexities beyond elementary school.

  • The front of the school building street view during the day with a tree on the left and flag decorations

Our History

Built in 1867, P.S. 34 Oliver H. Perry Elementary School is a New York Historical Landmark, based in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated P.S. 34 a landmark on April 12, 1983. The school’s façade has been restored and repaired.  Built in 1867, after the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln, P.S. 34 is the oldest continuously operating Elementary School in Brooklyn.

For nearly a century and a half, P.S. 34 has been a neighborhood institution in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn. It has become a living link to Greenpoint’s rich history and a symbol of the traditional concern for education expressed by the people of Brooklyn.

Who was Oliver H. Perry?

P.S. 34 was named after Oliver Hazard Perry, an American naval officer. He led the fleet that defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

  • He was born on August 23, 1785.
  • He earned the nickname “Hero of Lake Erie” for leading American forces to naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie.
  • He was the first in history to defeat an entire British squadron and successfully brought back every ship to his base as a prize of war.     
  • In 1819, during an expedition in Venezuela, he died of Yellow Fever.

School Quality Snapshot for PS 34 Elementary

Take a look at our School Quality Snapshot