This is one of the best highschools you could ever attend! I attended here from 1994-1997 and I can…read morehonestly say it was four of the BEST years of my life! The faculty and staff are absolutely amazing and still to this day are! Best teachers I've ever had. Even better than the college professors I had in the years that followed highschool! The school is huge- made up of three floors (technically four floors but the top floor isn't used for classes- back when I attended it was used for religious events the school would have.) The school has a huge library, cafeteria, gymnasium, and even has a nicely sized chapel inside! Also- the building is immaculate. Always freshly painted looking, bathrooms are always kept clean, hallways and property out front are always clear of debris and garbage. The school also has a parking lot for students- which when you live in Astoria is just always rare to find a parking spot - so a parking lot is a blessing lol SJP always has events going on- from school concerts, plays, faculty and student games/events, religious getaways, ski trips, and trips to other countries even! The students are constantly interacting with each other. I made some of the best friends while at this school- some of which to this day- 20 years later- are still the best of my friends! As far as the classes go- you never get bored with choices- from band class, home economics, forensic science, creative writing, and many more! Also- the after school activities are endless! Sports, music, academic, culture clubs, you name it. Now- the tuition is pricey- but you get what you pay for, and you cannot top the education you'll get here! Don't be discouraged- it's worth the money. Every dime. I just recently had my 20 year reunion here - and it was a blast! Just as the 10 year one was! I'll keep coming back every time we are due for one! Well- I have endless stories and so many more awesome things I can talk about when it comes to this school, but I have to end my review already lol Next time there is an open house for this school- please go check it out for yourself or your kids. You won't be sorry! To this day- I still go back and visit some of my old teachers- who are now people I call- my friends.

In 1984, when I started SJP, I was so excited. I had a great 4 years and I met some wonderful…read morepeople. When my son started SJP in 2017, I was so thrilled for him. He was a legacy after all. My mother-in-law was in the first graduating class. My husband, my sister-in-law, my son's godmother, my cousins, and some of my best friends went there. Alumni wasn't just a word to me. My son is a 16 year old boy. No excuses, but they make mistakes. In early October, I reached out to the school to ask for help with my son, my growing teen. The advice I was given was get outside help. That was it. So I followed the advice. SJP didn't follow up us. SJP didn't help my son in his time of need. SJP didn't touch base with him regularly. SJP didn't reach out to me to be a team, as a school and a family should be. Now they've turned their back on him. I'm so disgusted. I'm so upset. My family would do anything for anyone. We are members of the community that try to always do what's best. Instead of working with us, alumni of the school, instead of trying to work with my son, a child that had two and a half years in their school, their answer was we won't help you. Their answer was we don't have the resources to help. If you chose to lead teenagers in today's society, then you need the resources to do just that. My son isn't a bad kid. My son needed help and instead of helping they made things worse. I can't tell you the loss I feel in my heart for SJP.

The school is absolutely great for all. The Staff and Teachers are always happy to see children day…read moreby day and I love how well they have taught children in English and Math. I recommend this school for all kids who are aging into Elementary School. I think my 4th grade teacher Mr. Wiecezak is still there I don't know but he was great and I can remember his happiness for teaching. Hope your child enjoys P.S. 173 as well.

My elementary school! I loved my time here and still get sentimental everytime I drive past it. My…read morekindergarten teacher Mrs.Greenberg is probably not there anymore but she was amazing and helped me through my struggles learning english after moving to the U.S-I can still remember the layout of her classroom and the smell of crayons as if it was just yesterday. This school has great resources and caring teachers, my tenant's daugter attends this school now and is so excited for the new school year next week. They must be doing something right to get kids wanting for school to start! PS. 173 will always have a sweet spot in my heart!

What a wonderful school! I have been coming to do teaching-student observations and the atmosphere…read morehere is wonderful. The principal really cares about her students, she's always welcoming them in the morning and sometimes during recess she's out there too, very friendly. The teachers are really professional, strict and lovely at the same time. They know how to teach strict and show compassion at the same time. I enjoy coming here and learn from them, because I could not imagine learning from anyone else. The classrooms are very colorful and they're all different. My favorite one is the jungle classroom! And they sure know how to decorate.

This is considered one of the best school in Queens. The teachers and principle are very friendly…read moreand the best about this school is the diversity of students that you see. This area is one of the most diverse place in the world.

Great school. I loved going there and I made amazing friends that I still see even though I don't…read morego to the school anymore. The teachers and staff are amazing and kind. The community is so welcoming and kind. I highly recommend it!

A terrific UWS school, with strong teachers, a caring administration, involved parents--one of the…read morebest public schools in the city.

I don't know anything about the school except on Election Days when there is no school in session…read more It's always clean, neat, organized, even if the hype of election. I'm in and out really fast and all the people are ready to help! Thanks friends!

First experience at this school. Helping a friend set up her classroom. Very impressed with the…read morelayout of the school., how the carefully place their main offices directly in the middle on the ground level. School educational goals go too the 5th grade. Excellent location for Queens Community.

This school is awesome I love going to it the teachers are very nice and the principal is very…read moregenourous this is the best school in new york.

**Pros:** One aspect…read moreof the position that I appreciated was the afternoon schedule, which provided a convenient and manageable workday. I also valued the variety of classes and programs offered to the children. These opportunities allow students to explore their interests, discover new talents, and develop important creative, social, and academic skills. The organization has the potential to make a meaningful impact on young people through its arts and educational programming. I also found that supervisors could be supportive and helpful at times, particularly when they were engaged and willing to address staff concerns. **Cons:** One area that could be improved is the communication and consistency surrounding projects and expectations. For example, staff were encouraged to be creative with a trifold board project, but at the same time, we were given very specific instructions and were warned that decorating the boards outside of those instructions could result in disciplinary action. This created confusion because the expectations for creativity and following strict guidelines seemed contradictory. Clearer instructions and more consistent communication would make these types of projects more productive and enjoyable for staff. I also had concerns about some comments made by a supervisor regarding younger students in grades K-2 during a pep rally. I believe individuals in leadership positions should demonstrate patience, professionalism, and respect when speaking about and interacting with young children. Leadership should set a positive example for both staff and students. Another concern was the limited availability of supplies. At times, there did not appear to be enough materials for staff to effectively carry out activities and projects. I believe greater attention to providing adequate classroom and program supplies would significantly improve the experience for both employees and students. Lastly, I believe there is an opportunity for supervisors to provide more consistent support when staff members encounter challenging situations with parents. There were instances where I felt that the concerns or perspectives of staff were not given enough consideration. A more balanced approach, where supervisors listen to both the staff member and the parent before making a decision, could help employees feel more supported and valued. **Communication Regarding Returning for the School Year:** Another concern I experienced was the lack of consistency regarding opportunities to return for the fall. Before leaving for the summer, I was told by my supervisor that I would be leaving on good terms and that I should have no problem being considered for a position during the school year. I was also told that I could apply for the fall. However, when I later reached out to both supervisors by email regarding returning, I did not receive a response. I ultimately applied through the organization's website and was informed by HR that I was not considered a good fit. This was particularly disappointing given the previous communication I had received from my supervisor and the expectation that I would be able to return. I understand that hiring decisions can change based on organizational needs and circumstances. However, I believe employees deserve clear, honest, and consistent communication throughout the process. If there were concerns about my fit for a future position, I would have appreciated being informed directly rather than receiving no response after previously being told that I was leaving on good terms and would likely be able to return. The difference between what I was initially told and what ultimately occurred made the process feel inconsistent and discouraging. **Overall:** Overall, Casita Maria offers valuable programs and opportunities for children, particularly through its arts and enrichment classes. The organization has a strong opportunity to positively impact young people and help them discover and develop their talents. However, improvements in leadership, communication, resource allocation, staff support, and transparency regarding employment opportunities could create a stronger and more positive experience for both employees and students.

From the owner: Casita Maria, headquartered in the South Bronx, was established in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth…read moreSullivan as the first charitable organization to serve Latinos in New York City. Operating from a five-room tenement apartment in East Harlem, the Sullivan sisters, public school teachers who were also relatives of TV personality Ed Sullivan, had a primary mission to offer after school enrichment and recreational activities for the children of newly arrived families from Puerto Rico.