PS 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School

What PS 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School does

PS 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School is a NYC Department of Education public elementary school located at 45 East 81st Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, serving students from 3K through 5th grade under a zoned enrollment system in District 2. Founded in 1894 and named after feminist author and reformer Lillie D. Blake, the school operates out of a 1953 red-brick building and delivers the standard NYC public-school curriculum — Wit & Wisdom (ELA), Eureka Math² (mathematics), phenomena-based science, ICT classes blending general-education and IEP students at a 60/40 ratio, plus specials in art, music, PE, science, technology, and library. Its distinguishing operational layer is PTA-funded rather than tax-levy: an Associate Teacher in every K-5 classroom, a SEED-certified rooftop Eco Center, an in-school arts partnership portfolio (National Dance Institute, Creative Stages NYC Shakespeare, Studio in a School, Chinese Cultural Center, American Youth Dance Theatre), and roughly twenty after-school enrichment channels including chess, robotics, debate, languages, and sports.

The business model is hybrid public-funding-plus-private-philanthropy. NYC DOE per-pupil allocations cover baseline operations; the PTA — operating on an approximately $700K annual budget raised through the Annual Fund ($1,700 suggested donation per child), Spring Fair, Fun Run, Read-a-Thon, and Benefit Gala — funds the marginal enhancements (associate-teacher salaries, arts programming, recess coaches, building maintenance, technology) that differentiate PS6 from peer District 2 schools. There is no tuition; suggested School Supplies Contribution ($225 per student) and Annual Fund donations are voluntary. Go-to-market is community-led rather than commercial: information sessions, open houses, and word-of-mouth within the zoned catchment, reinforced by an Edlio-powered website (ps6nyc.com), an Instagram channel (@ps6nyc), and Operoo newsletters. Geography is effectively fixed — Upper East Side zoned families — with sibling-priority admissions governing demand. The chief risk is exogenous: NYC DOE budget cycles, PTA participation rates, and the cost of sustaining a high-touch programming model in a public funding environment.

Name

PS 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School

Legal name

PS 6 Lillie D. Blake School

Website

https://ps6nyc.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1894

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PS 6 is a NYC Department of Education zoned public elementary school on Manhattan's Upper East Side, serving 3K through 5th grade under NYC DOE District 2 with PTA-funded associate teachers, arts partnerships, and a SEED-certified rooftop Eco Center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Elementary Education (K-5)

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public High Schools (EDAJAAAD)

Keywords

• Public elementary education
• K-5 education services
• Early childhood education
• Special education ICT
• After school enrichment

Headquarters

HQ city

New York, New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. NYC DOE Government Funding: Primary operational funding provided by the New York City Department of Education. State and local government funding covers baseline educational expenses including teacher salaries and basic programming.
2. Annual Fund Campaign: PTA fundraising campaign with suggested donation of $1,700 per child. The Annual Fund is the school's single largest fundraiser, bridging the gap between government funding and enhanced programming. Funds associate teacher salaries, arts programming, building maintenance, recess coaches, and technology.
3. School Supplies Contribution: Recommended contribution of $225 per child to support classroom supplies, specialist materials, curriculum resources, and online instructional programs.
4. Special Events Fundraising: Revenue from community events including Spring Fair (82nd Street celebration), Benefit Gala, Fun Run, and Read-a-Thon. Events support capital improvements and supplement the Annual Fund.
5. After School Programs: Revenue from after school enrichment programs operated by external providers. Programs include STEM, arts, sports, dance, languages, chess, and debate for grades PreK-5.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PS 6 is a publicly funded NYC Department of Education elementary school serving students from 3K through 5th grade on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Its core offering is standards-aligned K-5 instruction in English Language Arts (Wit & Wisdom), Mathematics (Eureka Math²), and phenomena-based science, supplemented by PTA-funded arts programming, ICT special education classes, and a SEED-certified rooftop Eco Center. The school also operates fee-based after school enrichment programs and PTA-led fundraising to close the gap between government funding and enhanced programming.

Product overview

PS 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School is a public elementary school serving grades 3K through 5th grade, offering a unified educational service portfolio. The core offerings include academic curriculum (Wit & Wisdom for ELA, Eureka Math² for mathematics, and phenomena-based science), supplemented by integrated arts programming funded by the PTA, after school enrichment programs across STEM, arts, sports, and languages, and special education services with Integrated Co-Teaching classes. The school also operates a distinctive rooftop Eco Center for environmental education and hosts various PTA-funded community events and fundraising programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Special Education Services (Integrated Co-Teaching) Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Integrated Co-Teaching classes for students with learning disabilities at every grade level (3K-5), plus support services from a guidance counselor, school psychologist, ICT teacher, and speech-language therapist.
• Academic Curriculum Programs Standards-aligned K-5 instruction in English Language Arts (Wit & Wisdom), Mathematics (Eureka Math²), and science (phenomena-based curriculum with hands-on investigations and interactive digital tools), serving all enrolled students.
• Arts Programming During-school arts partnerships funded by the PTA, providing visual arts (painting, drawing, collage, clay), dance (Hip Hop, Chinese dance, West African dance), and theater (Shakespeare) instruction to students across grade levels.
• After School Programs Fee-based enrichment programs for grades PreK-5 operated by external providers (Aurora Skills Inc., Big Apple Youth Sports, Broadway Bound Kids, The Art Farm, Launch Math + Science Centers, Chess Educators, iPiano, DramaZone, EFNY, Kids in Design, The Craft Studio, Color Pop Workshop, Kennebec Kicks Run Club, 92Y Noar, among others) covering STEM, arts, sports, dance, languages, chess, and debate.
• Eco Center SEED-certified rooftop greenhouse offering hands-on environmental and sustainability education to PS 6 students, incorporating renewable energy, composting, harvested rainwater, aeroponics, and locally grown food production.

Quantifiable outcome

• ICT classes blend 60% general education students with 40% IEP students
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• National Dance Institute (NDI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNDI has been a proud partner of PS6 since 2013. The program is taught by teams of three teaching artists – two dance teacher/choreographers and a music/accompanist – who work collaboratively for deep and authentic learning. Students in grades 2 and 4 learn fundamentals of movement and music by mastering choreography with clarity, energy, and precision.
• Creative Stages NYCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative Stages NYC empowers students through Shakespeare. Students in grade 5 develop essential academic and life skills by studying and performing a Shakespearean play, delving into plots, analyzing characters, and building vocabulary while mastering theatrical techniques such as tableaus, stage blocking, and vocal projection.
• Studio in a SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides visual arts instruction focusing on painting, drawing, collage, and clay. The early childhood program nurtures creativity while building foundational techniques such as close looking, making expressive choices, and improving fine motor skills. Partnership expanded in 2025 via an arts grant for 3K and 4K classes.
• American Youth Dance TheatersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides dynamic hip hop dance classes for kindergarten students. High-energy classes develop rhythm, coordination, and style through foundational hip hop techniques, building strength and stamina while expressing creativity through movement.
• Chinese Cultural CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with PS6 to provide Chinese Dance and Culture programming for first grade students on Mondays, exposing students to traditional dance forms and cultural heritage.
• Jerijah West (Teaching Artist)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeaching Artist specializing in West African, Hip Hop, and Afro Caribbean dance styles. Teaches Hip Hop to first graders and traditional/contemporary West African dance to third graders in line with their Africa curriculum.
• ApplausesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool of performing arts serving the community for nearly 30 years. Hip Hop class for 3K and PreK develops confidence in theater and dance through cardio warm-ups, stretches, foundational steps, creative movement-based games, and dance routines.
• The Puberty ProjectsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides puberty education to students in grades 4 and 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, complementing the school's health curriculum.
• Empower MesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Tech Safety and Screen Time Management education to students in grades 4 and 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, supporting digital citizenship curriculum.
• Aurora Skills Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAfter school program provider offering classes at PS6 for decades across STEAM and movement. Programs include robotics, coding, chess, financial literacy, martial arts, and more for grades K-5.
• Big Apple Youth SportscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAfter school sports provider operating at PS6 for decades. Offerings include tennis, flag football, soccer league, basketball skill development, intramural tournaments, PreK sports, and All-Girls Sports Tournament (25+ years).
• Broadway Bound KidscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAfter school performing arts provider teaching acting, singing, dancing, comedy, and performance. Programs include dance classes, storytelling playhouse, Broadway Bound Beginners, drama clubs, and PS6's Got Talent.
• The Art FarmsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAfter school provider offering art and natural science classes including live animals. Programs include Working with Wildlife, Critters and Crafts, Amazing Animals, Explore with Art, and Culinary Kids cooking class.
• Launch Math + Science CenterssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded by a real-life rocket scientist, Launch offers fun math and science classes including I Wanna Be series (Marine Biologist, Detective), Math Mania, Coding + Robot Adventures, STEM All-Stars, and Little Astronauts.
• Chess EducatorssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeaching chess at PS6 for decades, building skill, strategy, and fun for players of all levels through Chess I, II, and III classes for K-5.
• iPianosupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeaches keyboard/piano to kids through songs and methods that make it easy and exciting to play music. Classes available on Tuesdays and Fridays for K-5 with 7:1 teacher-student ratio.
• DramaZonesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTeaches debate at schools across NYC, making the subject approachable for kids of all ages. Programs include Policy Debate 2 for grades 2-5 and knitting/fashion design classes.
• EFNY (Education en Français à New York)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer-run not-for-profit teaching French to both native speakers and new learners. Offers French 1, 2, and 3 classes for K-5 on Wednesdays, with instructors who are bilingual or native French speakers.
• Spanish at PS6supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpanish language and culture program taught by PS6 teachers. Spanish Starters for all K-5 students and Next Steps in Español for experienced/native speakers on Thursdays.
• Kids in DesignsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOffers specialized after school classes in architecture, engineering, and design. Programs include Fantastic Structures (K-5) and Innovation Lab (K-5) teaching design and engineering basics.
• The Craft StudiosupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal UES institution offering cool crafting and art classes. Coolest Crafters class for K-2 on Tuesdays provides trendy crafts and techniques for budding artists.
• Color Pop WorkshopsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOffers dynamic art and crafting classes designed to inspire imagination and teach new skills. Fine Art: Creative Journey Through Art Mediums class for K-2 on Fridays explores unconventional materials.
• Kennebec Kicks Run ClubsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOff-site running program building speed and endurance in a fun team setting. Practices in Central Park with one-hour sessions including warm-up, run games, age-appropriate running, stretching, and team building. Pick-up at 81st and Madison.
• 92Y Noar After-School ProgramsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor92Y's after-school program for elementary-age children (K-6). Provides transportation from PS6 including chaperoned bus service, available 1-5 days per week from 3pm-6pm.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• The Manhattan New School (PS 290): Another high-demand, zoned public elementary school in NYC District 2 serving a similar UES/Manhattan family demographic. Directly comparable in mission, grade span (K-5), and reliance on an active parent community to supplement DOE funding.
• East Side Elementary School (PS 267): District 2 public elementary serving the East Side of Manhattan with comparable grade span and zoned enrollment. Comparable in PTA-driven enrichment model and integration of arts and special education services.
• Hunter College Elementary School (PS 147): Public K-6 gifted elementary affiliated with Hunter College. Comparable in selective enrollment, family demographics, and emphasis on enriched academic programming within a public school setting.
• PS 158 Bayard Taylor: Upper East Side District 2 public elementary serving a similar zoned family base. Shares grade span (K-5), PTA-driven enrichment funding model, and proximity-driven admissions dynamics.
• The Anderson School (PS 334): Highly selective NYC public elementary (K-5) on the Upper West Side, comparable in family profile, K-5 grade span, and enrichment breadth. Both schools compete for similar high-engagement NYC public school families.

Regional players

• KIPP NYC: Public charter network operating primarily in underserved NYC neighborhoods. Comparable as a public-funded K-12 operator with PTA-style community engagement, though serving a fundamentally different demographic and geographic base.

Emerging players

• Dalton School: Elite Upper East Side independent K-12 school. Comparable in UES family demographic and enrichment programming (arts, ICT-like differentiation), but operates on tuition-based private model. Represents the alternative PS6 families consciously choose against.
• Brearley School: Upper East Side independent K-12 school with comparable arts partnerships and small-class culture. PS6 implicitly competes with Brearley for UES families seeking low-ratio, arts-rich education, though PS6 delivers this at zero tuition.

Broad incumbents

• NYC Department of Education (District 2): The parent organization and operator of all District 2 public schools including PS6. Relevant as the institutional incumbent that sets funding, policy, and admissions rules that shape PS6's operating environment.
• Success Academy Charter Schools: NYC's largest charter network operating K-12 schools across the city. Comparable as a high-performing public-funded elementary option, though a network rather than a single neighborhood school and directly competes for similar families in some Manhattan districts.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/ps6nyc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ps6nyc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PS 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School