Robert Schreier – Educator, School Leader, and Author

Robert Schreier is an accomplished educator, school leader, and the architect of one of New York City’s most celebrated middle school transformations. As Principal of Middle School 118 in the Bronx, Schreier led the school from a mid-level placement to one of the top-achieving middle schools in New York City. Under his leadership, MS 118 earned a place on Chancellor Rudolph Crew’s Honor Roll for six consecutive years, achieved the highest reading scores in its district, and became widely recognized as a model learning environment.

During Schreier’s tenure, the school received numerous accolades, including the Mayor’s Cool School Award for academic excellence, the Bronx Borough President’s Outstanding School Award, and a Safe Schools Award from Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik. United Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten described MS 118 as “a model learning environment for the children of New York City,” and education writer Clara Hemphill prominently featured the school in her book, NYC’s Best Public Middle Schools.

The school’s achievements extended far beyond test scores. Under Schreier’s leadership, MS 118 produced a National Championship Chess Team that represented the United States in Russia, a first-place Debate Team, and an extraordinary number of students who earned scholarships and admissions to specialized and competitive high schools across the City, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, and LaGuardia.

Schreier’s leadership was grounded in a deep understanding of child development research and in the belief that students learn best when they feel safe, valued, and known. He recognized that many of his students faced significant challenges outside of school and believed the school must become a place where those challenges could be transformed into strengths. He built a culture rooted in emotional safety, mutual trust, and a profound sense of community. Visitors consistently remarked on the unmistakable warmth, purpose, and unity that filled the building, a testament to the faculty’s shared commitment to caring for students and holding them to high expectations.

One of Schreier’s most influential innovations was the creation of seven mini-schools within MS 118, including a bilingual program and the acclaimed PACE Academy for Creative Expression. These small learning communities allowed teachers to build strong relationships with students, personalize instruction, and create a sense of family within a large school of 1,400 students.

The PACE Academy, serving 350 students, offered an enriched and accelerated curriculum featuring Regents-level math and science, a literacy-based technology program, and extensive arts and enrichment opportunities. Over six years, 100% of PACE graduates were accepted into specialized public high schools or competitive programs, and more than 40% earned scholarships totaling over $800,000 for private and parochial schools.

Schreier also secured extensive partnerships and funding from institutions such as Bank Street College, the New York Botanical Garden, Clearpool, Christodora, Fordham University, Yale University, Lincoln Center, and Junior Achievement. These partnerships provided professional development, environmental science programs, arts education, early-morning academic workshops, summer academies, and cultural experiences that enriched the lives of students and teachers alike. Today, Robert Schreier continues his work as an author, consultant, and advocate for small learning communities, relationship-driven leadership, and values-centered school transformation. His career stands as a testament to what is possible when a school is built on dignity, trust, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.