Craving a slice of Upper West Side history? Public School 166 stands before us. It is more than just a school. It’s a landmark with a story to tell.
Public School 166 is officially named The Richard Rodgers School of Arts and Technology. This institution serves roughly 600 students. These students are in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school resides on West 89th Street. Its location is between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues.
Architect C. B. J. Snyder designed the building. It first opened its doors in September 1899. Fast forward to 1995 and the school underwent complete renovations. It was modernized. In 2000, it earned its designation as a New York City landmark. The school was formally renamed in 2003. It was named to honor Richard Rodgers. He is a former student.
Richard Rodgers’ connection to the neighborhood is celebrated. A brass plaque marks his achievements at the main door of Public School 166. The plaque notes the building as one of the few remaining 19th-century institutional structures on the Upper West Side.
Rodgers, along with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, represent musical theater icons. They all spent their formative years in Morningside Heights. Rodgers’ early life included a domineering grandmother. His mother fueled his passion for the theater. He started playing piano at age four.
Many successful people walked the halls of Public School 166. Graham Diamond is a writer of satire and fantasy. Joey Diaz is a comedian and actor. Ronnie Eldridge served as a New York City councilwoman. Everett Raymond Kinstler was a renowned artist. Melissa Manchester is a singer-songwriter. Lewis and Jack Rudin were real estate moguls. J. D. Salinger is the author of Catcher in the Rye. Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine. Edwin Schlossberg designs museums. Jeffrey Toobin is a legal analyst.
Public School 166 enriches its students’ lives. It has many special programs. The school offers Integrated Co-Teaching classes. These include general education and special education students. There are also Gifted & Talented programs.
At Public School 166, learning extends beyond the classroom. Students enjoy field trips. They visit cultural institutions throughout the city. The Guggenheim, the Whitney, and the Met are among the destinations.
Public School 166 stands as a beacon of education. It fosters creativity and a sense of community. It prepares young minds for the future. It is a place where children can thrive. The school nurtures the talents of tomorrow’s leaders.