Garden School

Garden School, located in Jackson Heights, Queens, serves 250–300 students across pre-K through grade 12. As an independent day school with no religious affiliation, it draws from a linguistically diverse neighborhood. The school's mission centers on academic achievement, personal growth, and social responsibility—with a stated commitment to recognizing each student's individual identity.

Faculty here teach in a learner-centered environment. The school asks teachers to design lessons around how students actually learn, not around one fixed method. This means more planning flexibility, but also more collaboration with colleagues. Day school structure is key: you teach, lead a club or coach a sport, then go home. No dorm duty. No weekend obligations. This appeals to educators who want depth without the residential demands of boarding school life.

The languages program sets Garden School apart. Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish run through the curriculum. Teachers in math, science, and humanities regularly work with language faculty on cross-curricular projects. If you teach any core subject, you'll find real partners for interdisciplinary work.

Compensation is competitive within New York City's independent school market. The school's financial position is stable—it reported net assets of $4.2 million and strong fundraising growth in recent years. Benefits packages typically include health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development support.

Garden School hires year-round for classroom roles in all divisions, plus administrative and support positions. Because the school is small, each hire shapes culture. Your voice in curriculum meetings matters.