P.S. 186 Castlewood Home

Who We Are

We are a 3-K through 5 city school with a suburban feel located in a neighborhood of garden apartments and the Queens County Farm Museum, the only working historical farm in New York City. Our "little school with a big heart" is home to about 350 students and 100 staff members. Our school is known for its warm, inclusive atmosphere that distinguishes us from many city schools. Castlewood is dedicated to helping students grow into culturally responsive, emotionally stable, academically proficient citizens as they engage in various, rigorous learning opportunities.

Welcome to the new school year!

It is our pleasure to welcome everyone back for the new school year! We are all so very excited to have students back in our classrooms filling them with energy and enthusiasm for learning. It is our mission at PS 186 to make every child feel welcomed, connected and part of our Castlewood family. Additionally, we strive to challenge each student to grow in their own academic and social capabilities. We can say first hand that at Castlewood we have great teachers who thoughtfully plan out their lessons and classroom activities that will fully engage your child on this year’s journey to the next grade.

Calendar

Jun 4

Anniversary Day/Chancellor's Conference Day - No school for students

Jun 5

Clerical Day - No school for students

Jun 8

Castlewood Arts Festival

Time: 5 PM – 7 PM

Jun 10

5th Grade Trip 209 & 214 to Queens Botanical Gardens

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Jun 11

5th Grade Trip 205 & 131- Queens Botanical Garden

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

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Our School's Mission

In order to support all students, Castlewood will bolster instruction in all classrooms and ensure that every student acquires, and every parent/guardian understands, advanced literacy skills by creating equitable learning opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse students. We will provide a welcoming and affirming environment by increasing our family events, having high expectations, rigorous instruction, inclusive curricula, and assessments through ongoing professional learning and support as well as creating a supportive social emotional environment.

School News

NYC SCHOOL SURVEY

NYC 2026 School Survey is here, and we need your feedback! We are sending home the survey envelopes with your children, so please look for them in their backpacks. Families are eligible to complete a survey if their child has been enrolled in the school prior to October 1, 2025.