Exclusive Interview with Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos
New York City schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos shared her thoughts on pressing education issues including the cellphone ban and whether she’d encourage her middle school daughter to take the Specialized High School Admissions Test.
What Do NYC Teens Think of the Mayoral Candidates?
The season finale of P.S. Weekly dives into the youth vote and the 2025 mayoral election. We break down youth voter engagement, candidate platforms, and why local politics matter.
Are NYC Schools Preparing Future Voters?
With the mayoral primary approaching, Episode 9 of P.S. Weekly takes on the state of civic education in New York City high schools.
One Student’s Struggle With “School Refusal” After COVID
Episode 8 of P.S. Weekly tackles the emotional and social fallout of the pandemic, looking at mental health issues that left many students unable to attend class.
Reduce, Reuse, Revolt: How Students Are Fighting Climate Change
Episode 7 of P.S. Weekly explores the state of youth climate activism, ranging from apathy to action, and one Manhattan student’s push to get her high school to compost.
Stalled: Why Schools Are Restricting Bathroom Access
Episode 6 of P.S. Weekly wades into the complicated world of New York City school bathroom policies, including the much loathed 10-5-10 rule limiting use between and during classes.
Can Writing Teachers Fend Off AI?
Episode 5 of P.S. Weekly looks at the rise of AI in education. Students and teachers sound off on AI’s practical uses as well concerns about creativity and academic integrity.
Why Do Teachers Leave? We Investigate
Episode 4 of P.S. Weekly tackles teacher turnover and how turbulent relationships between teachers and administrators might be a major contributing factor.
When Filling Out the FAFSA Feels Dangerous
What happens when you’re afraid to apply for financial aid?
First-gen students — including those with undocumented parents — share the fears, barriers, and high stakes of navigating the FAFSA.
Are NYC Schools Teaching Sex Ed? It's a Touchy Subject
Why does New York City take such a patchwork approach to sex education—and what do students say needs to change?
The Fight for Ethnic Studies in NYC Schools
What’s the state of ethnic studies in New York City schools? And how does recent political opposition from the Trump administration threaten its expansion?
We’re Back with Season 2
New voices, bold questions, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. We’re bringing you the sound of the New York City school system, from those who know it best: the students.
Live from SXSW EDU: Teen Journalists on NYC Admissions, Resources, and Real Change
Students share firsthand perspectives on the complexities of high school admissions, resource gaps, and the urgent need for systemic change in New York City.
Drama Over a School Arts Program and Who Gets to Swim?
An inside look at a funding drama for an arts program at a performing arts high school, plus the importance of swim lessons.
Student Protests, Free Speech, and NYC Public Schools
While protests over the Israel-Hamas war have gripped New York City college campuses, we look at how high schoolers have reacted — and the student freedom of speech issues being raised.
Teens Want Therapy — Are They Getting It?
What happens when a teen wants therapy but their parents are unsure? And is NYC’s bold initiative to offer free virtual therapy to teens working?
Cafeteria Chronicles with the Critics Who Matter
What do New York City students think of school lunch food? In this episode, our reporters sniffed around their cafeterias and visited NYC Public Schools’ official test kitchen for the inside scoop.
The Teachers Who Have Shaped Us
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and in this special episode, P.S. Weekly and Chalkbeat reporters — and their parents — share stories about the teachers who have inspired, encouraged, and shaped them.
An Exclusive Interview with Chancellor David Banks
In this special episode, student reporters Shoaa Khan and Jose Santana speak to Chancellor David Banks about a range of important issues that affect students.
A High Schooler Working at Bloomberg – Plus “Shotgunning” College Applications
With college admissions in flux and the NYC school system shifting its emphasis toward "career pathways," two students prepare for life after high school.