St. Hilda's is an outstanding school, with incredible teachers, a warm atmosphere, and a deeply…read morethoughtful approach to learning, community, education, and the whole child. Both of our children have loved coming to school at St. Hilda's each day. Beginners offers a beautiful introduction to school, with a warmth and groundedness in early childhood development--each day, there are new activities to try and things to learn, whether building towers and train tracks, growing plants in the greenhouse, cooking season treats, making water creatures and marble paintings, learning yoga poses, singing songs, and so much more. The introduction to school in Beginners is a wonderful one--the teachers are warm and kind, and foster a love of learning. With each grade, the school expands, and Nursery, JK, SK, and 1st grade, are met with science, art, language classes, the greenhouse, PE, and the playdeck. The curriculum is really integrated - students practice letters and numbers across social studies and foreign language classes as well as in their homeroom work time; when they study world cultures in their classrooms they simultaneously learn games played around the world in PE; their science classes connect with concepts in math worktime; and their art projects often coincide with world cultures and school celebrations. Our boys have loved learning each year about the solar system and outer space, the brain and the body, and the foundations of science, and the nearly 30 countries where French is spoken. It's impressive and thoughtful, and indicative of how St. Hilda's approaches so much of the school--with careful consideration, expertise, and a wonderful implementation. The faculty at St. Hilda's are truly remarkable. Teachers come to school with enthusiasm and joy, and it shows in their creativity in the classroom. Our children have learned so much from each teacher, from art to science to PE, because of the excitement and attentiveness of their teachers. It is an extraordinarily warm environment with an incredibly rigorous intellectual process undergirding how the school approaches each age of development and academic unit. The school is, from top-to-bottom, incredibly thoughtful about the education and experience of the children and their families. One more thing that we wouldn't have recognized until we were in it - St. Hilda's is a school for children, and also a school that values families. Events typically start in the evenings so parents with a range of responsibilities can, by and large, attend. One of the first things the Head of School often says is a thank you to the parents for taking time out of their days and family life to be there. It's small, but we've noticed how deep it runs. The school values the families as people, and families matter here. Activities and other events are similar, and the communication is aimed at making life easier for busy parents. It's perhaps a small thing, but indicative of the approach of the school, and it's created another part of a wonderful experience. In short, St. Hilda's is a truly special place. It has academic excellence combined with a warm and loving atmosphere. It has world-class teachers with deep expertise who have a true love of learning and the children they teach. And it has a wonderful community of people who value kindness, dedication, and the joy of learning.

I just had such a great conference with my son's teacher that I was inspired to write! He is in…read morefirst grade and has had wonderful teachers throughout. We get frequent feedback about his progress, with lots of practical suggestions about how we can support him. I feel like the teachers are really working with us to help him succeed, and that they really "get" him--and us. Now that he is in first grade and the work is a little more academic, he seems to be thriving with the additional structure of a desk and a uniform. Our daughter is now in the nursery (3s) program and so far, we are equally pleased. She is very different from her brother, but she is comfortable, happy, and looks forward to school. Doesn't hurt that the classrooms are beautiful and full of fun things to do! In many ways this school feels like a throwback, in the very best way. There is a wholesomeness and sincerity about the students and families, and it doesn't feel like the program is trying to push them into too much too soon. I feel like the faculty is incredibly thoughtful and smart about what kids need at the various stages in their development. So far, so good, and we are looking forward to many more happy years here!

educational learning for kids Best School and Catholic…read moreschool hands down. It's a small school but everyone knows each other and the teachers and staff are very nice. My son has been here since pre-K 4 he is in 3rd grade and I have never had a problem with the teachers, students or Staff. As a PSA president the school has changed so so much this year. For better and the

The best that West Harlem has to offer for PreK - 8 education!…read more My son has attended Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL) since Pre-K and I have never regretted nor found any reason to change. The school is small and the community is strong. Rigorous curriculum combined with a diverse student makeup gives him what he needs to thrive in today's world. The character my son is building as a result of a parochial school is amazing. At the same time OLL lets him be his own person and carry his own thoughts. His awareness of societal issues is tremendous and supported. The school pays attention and invests in educating the faculty, parents and student body about bullying and has a zero tolerance policy. Any issue that arises is caught early and handled fairly. I can't say enough about OLL. If you are considering it you are on the right path and need to look no further. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

I STRONGLY URGE YOU NOT TO APPLY TO THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF NEW YORK!…read more Head of school & Founder Shelly Jackson lacks experience running a school and is unclear on what NYC parents are looking for in an education. Curriculum: Strongly lacks academic rigor and doesn't offer a well-rounded education. The Integrated curriculum is based on the Head of School's belief that if a child is proficient in reading, writing, and math they can learn anything. A tough curriculum to sell. I agree and it makes for a solid foundation in the curriculum but it isn't enough. Expect a strong focus on these subjects, language, Art, and Music. The curriculum is a cherry-picking of what she felt is the best approach in the subject matter. Reading: children are accessed using Fountas and Pinnell three times a year, writing: they use Columbia University writing without tears (early years)in combination with what I understand teachers have control in deciding the approach to writing. Math is Everyday Math (common core). For a school that aims to build proficient writers, there can be a stronger focus in the following areas: writing mechanics, word family study in early childhood education, phonics, decoding, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary study. Science and social studies are once a week and are subjects the teachers don't always get to which was shocking to me because they only had 7-9 students to a class. A strong science program and lab are needed to challenge your child's ability to ask questions, collect information, organize and test their ideas, solve problems, and apply what they learn; and that doesn't exist at this school. Ms. Jackson is not a fan or open to technology. As children growing up in an increasingly technologically and scientifically advanced world, they need to be scientifically literate to succeed. There are very little critical thinking and problem-solving components in the curriculum. Newcomers, you are in luck! I'm guessing due to parent concern about the curriculum not being rich in the sciences or technology, just before spring break Ms. Jackson announced that Trustee Chair, Jingying Wu would like her to include coding to the K-5 curriculum. Hopefully, this will encourage the school to now use the smart boards to its greatest potential. As for Language, its only taught to 40%. I am not sure how strong the mandarin program is but the children in the Spanish program who are picking up on the language quicker are those whose parents are fluent or who are being taught by their nannies. Not being fluent in the language myself, I recognized with four years of study my son engages in some conversation but I would have thought his confidence in the language would be stronger. And so I recommend they somehow try to immerse the students in more Spanish conversation. An integrated curriculum, multi-grade classroom, in my opinion, is not an effective learning environment. Now, this depends of course on what you want out of school. I believe there are set skills that should be mastered on each grade level and require its own attention. I don't believe there was enough time spent on instruction with each individual grade. I think it is very hard for teachers to figure out how to manage their instruction time and pace between the two grades. Classroom function: The lesson will be taught to the third graders and any confusion about the lesson and or questions are discussed and then they are left to complete classwork on their own without the support of a teacher while she/he then shifts their attention over to the fourth graders. At some point, eventually, the class will come back together. It's not a setting that fits all learning styles. I also believe is puts pressure on the younger students to produce work at the same level and speed of their older more experienced peers. I don't think this is fair. -School does not support children with ADHD or learning differences -No grading system And so if you value grades because your child will one day aspire to join a specialized or private high school, college, or university, his/her school grades will matter. -No school nurse -No school psychologist to aid in helping children with learning differences

At the International Academy of New York, you can see how great the school is when the kids want to…read morego to school and don't want to miss a day of school. My daughter, who's currently an IANY student. She is thriving in the smaller classes with personalized attention. Our household does not speak Chinese at home, but my daughter's knowledge of Chinese is growing every day, she loves learning about the Chinese culture through the language and arts. Very strong community feel. The diversity in the school is great. During these unique times, the school did a good job of keeping our kids safe and healthy.

Fusion Academy Upper West Side is a wonderful supportive and nurturing environment for children and…read moreteens of all learning styles. Teachers are flexible and kind with the students and are always adaptable.

From the owner: Fusion Academy Upper West Side is a fully accredited 1-to-1 private school for grades 4-12, where…read morepersonalized education unlocks the potential of students with learning, social, or emotional differences. Our Upper West Side Manhattan campus in New York City, NY offers a full-time program, classes for credit, tutoring, college counseling, and more - all tailored to fit your student's needs. With rolling enrollment and customized scheduling, students can start at any time of the year and build school around their life, not the other way around. It's hard to give a general explanation of a completely personalized school. We'd love to meet you and show you around our unique campus. Connect with us today to learn what makes Fusion Academy the school that changes everything.

We have been part of Northside for the last 5 years and we couldn't love it more. We love the…read moreproject base learning which keeps the children engaged in regular curriculum learning with something that can still keep them interested. The administration and teachers are caring and extremely engaged in the community. A very supportive PA gouge which organize a lot of extra curricular activities. Every morning children are welcome with their first name, everybody knows each kid by name and give them the proper greetings. The small classes help also focusing on each child strength and 'need for help'. We really love it.

Our son is in 2nd grade and has been at Northside since age 2. All of his teacher have left…read morelasting impressions on our family and on our child- the small classes allow for hands on learning and personalized attention, and the collaborative work between classes means its never "too small." He loves integrated science and art- where the project based curriculum gets tied into all his other subjects. Last year their 1st grade class studied fire stations, and when construction workers blocked an exit in our home, he pointed it out to me as a safety hazard and we had the building fix it. His learning goes beyond the classroom and basic curriculum. Northside is teaching our son to be a lifelong learner and better citizen!

Love this school. From the Early Childhood campus located at Confucius plaza to the 29 Mott street…read morelocation. I love that they have a strong curriculum and incredibly supportive and helpful staff. The Eartly Childhood campus is warm and safe. The teachers and all the staff are phenomenal. Everything is clean and inviting. My child had the best instruction and guidance throughout her time there. The Mott street location is lovely. A wonderful community of staff and parents. Also strong in academics! My child is thriving at Transfiguration school. Highly recommend !!!

The 2 stars is for how the people working and running the Chinese weekend sch. Bad service, lack of…read morecommunication and unprofessional in dealing with parents. The people have this can't be bother attitude: If you want to put your kids here, fine, pay up and leave. Else don't bother me! My last draw is with the cancellation of lesson with no proper instruction or notification. Seriously, this can't be a good school with such lousy attitude and service.

This school truly is a hidden gem. I cannot say enough good things about the teachers and staff…read more I am so happy with the education my child has been receiving, the friendships that have been made and the community that we are not apart of. I highly recommend this school and strongly suggest attending one of the open houses to see what this school is all about.

Love this school! Teachers are great and very committed. It's like a big family.read more