P.S. 096 Joseph Lanzetta

East Harlem’s sidewalks fill with backpacks and chatter when the bell rings. P.S. 096 Joseph Lanzetta sits among them, a middle school that’s been part of the block for generations.

Public education here covers grades six through eight, offering core academics alongside electives like music, art, and computer science. The building at 216 E 120th St keeps the same hours as most city schools, though exact schedules shift with the season. Parents often call ahead to confirm open-house dates or enrollment details—(212) 860-5851 connects directly to the main office.

After-school programs extend the day with tutoring, sports, and clubs, giving students extra time to explore interests while families finish work. The neighborhood itself provides a backdrop of bodegas, murals, and community centers, reinforcing the school’s role as both an academic hub and a local anchor.

For directions or last-minute questions, the map can be pulled up here. Most visitors arrive on foot, the way kids have for decades.