Public School 9
BRAND IDENTITY
NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL

Public School 9 is an elementary public school on the Upper West Side in Manhattan with classes pre-K through fifth grade. The PS9 auditorium foyer houses a glass mosaic by Vincent Cavallaro called “Man In Space,” commissioned in 1963. The mosaic celebrates space exploration advancements made in that time period and stands as a reminder to PS9 students of the importance of science and exploration. Following the theme of its space mosaic, PS9 enables its students to become risk-takers who are unafraid to delve into uncharted territories. PS9 believes that a growth mindset is essential to learning and encourages exploration to foster lifelong success. 

PS9 partnered with The Working Assembly to create a new visual identity that expressed these values. Our new visual identity for PS9 embodies the spirit of exploration through vibrant colors and lively illustrations, while clean typography and uncluttered layouts highlight its commitment to academic excellence. Space-themed illustrations inspired by the space mosaic celebrate the school’s heritage. The visual identity strikes a balance between dependability and playfulness, speaking to both students and families alike. A sense of authority is evoked through the grid system and academic serif, while whimsy is injected through the rich color palette and quirky illustrations.



New York, NY