George Mather Forbes School No. 4 is a Kindergarten through sixth grade elementary school located in the heart of the city of Rochester, New York. Our school’s diverse population of 415 is comprised of 89% African American, 6% Hispanic/Latino, 1% Asian and 4% white students. The classroom configurations consist of kindergarten through sixth grade general education, fourth through sixth grade gifted and talented and a large special education population, including nine classes who participate in the New York State Alternate Assessments.

“It may not be important to you, but my child learned to tie his shoes at School No. 4.” Kimberly Willis, former parent of a Multiply Handicapped graduate of School No. 4

We, at School No. 4, are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere where all students have a sense of belonging and a right to learn. The faculty and staff are committed to the following:

• A multi-cultural integrated curriculum
  
  
• Programs that create critical and divergent thinkers
  
  
• A curriculum/program that focuses on student needs to meet high academic standards
  
  
• Staff development to ensure delivery of a child-centered instructional program
  
  
• An environment that fosters respect for self and others through continuing development of social skills and provision of services
  
  
• An active learning community in which parents and the community are utilized as partners and resources
  
  
• An interdisciplinary instructional approach that incorporates support staff

“We accept the responsibility to teach all students so that they can
attain their maximum educational potential.”
- School No. 4 Mission Statement

The teaching and learning at our school is based on the rigorous New York State Standards, integrating all content areas and special subjects. We firmly believe in differentiating instructional best practices to meet the needs of all of our students through:

• Guided Reading
  
• Reader’s Workshop/Writer’s Workshop
  
• Math Workshop/Math Investigations
  
• Question Answer Relationships
  
• Academic Intervention Services/ School Wide Intervention Block
  
• Extended Day/Saturday Program

We strongly believe in Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligence. This is exemplified by our Kindergarten through third grade Performing Arts Program. Students utilize their talents in drama, dance, music, art and oral presentations to enrich their content area knowledge.

Our unique approach to Title 1 programs is embedded in our Extended Day Program, Saturday Program, Intervention Block and our Parent Involvement. We utilize multiple modalities while looking at the whole child to improve student achievement.

Professional development is driven by a staff needs assessment, student data analysis, and innovative programs, which are reflected in our School Improvement Plan. The professional development is on-going, evident in teacher practice and based upon best practices.

At School No.4 our students are NOT diamonds in the rough, they are our most precious gems. Parents and community organizations are an integral, valuable and vital resource. From college partnerships to fraternities, from community leaders to our parents, they all bring unique qualities that enhance our students’ learning. Once the School No. 4 spirit is experienced, the commitment to “our gems” never fades.