Julia A. Stark School

My son is in the fourth grade, transferring three years ago from another district. I am very impressed with the teachers that he has had so far. Very caring, knowledgeable, and with high expectations for their students. The PTO is very active, which is wonderful. There is a proud, community feeling at this school, and the state test scores do not represent the school well. I am happy that my son goes here, and I do not hesitate to send my daughter next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Everyone's heart is in right place here. The ranking does not tell the whole story. It is by no means a perfect place. The teaching approach is a wee bit traditional.
--Submitted by a parent

Just like so many other parents, i was skeptical of the school due to ratings when my son had to start Kindergarten last year, but i decided to give it a try anyways. And I am so glad I did!! This is a good school!! The teachers here are so dedicated and the emphasis is always on learning. Just recently, I've had a chance to observe my son's classroom personally (and regularly) and it has been a wonderful experience. The students are all at different learning levels and from diverse backgrounds, but the the class teacher does such a phenomenal job at keeping them all interested and imparting education at the same time. Each morning, all the kids look so happy to be in the class and ready to learn (and this was case when my son was in KG too) and the credit goes to the teachers. Stark s strength is its teachers, be it the classteachers or the assistant teachers. DO NOT go by the ratings. If you as a parent do your part, this school will not disappoint you.
--Submitted by a parent

Dont go by the ratings here....they are ages old........Stark is one of the best schools your kids wd ever go to.........they give individual attention to every kid........I couldnt be happier
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Stark for kindergarten and first grade. We had a good experience. The student body is extremely diverse with very few behavioral issues. There was a noticeable emphasis on manners and both the teachers and principal were committed to the students' growth and development. My daughter won an award given by the city when in kinder and the principal attended the awards ceremony just for her. Don't let the low test scores scare you away. The curriculum is great. My only complaint is that I didn't think they let the children have enough recess time.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 4 children; 1 graduated from Stark, 2 are there now and 1 will go there. I have friends in most Stamford schools and the difference at Stark is the teacher dedication and respect. Although the overall test scores may seem poor, Stark has the highest individual growth score gains across the district. Teachers care and work hard to help students. Compared to other schools, Stark does not have any major behavior issues. I notice some of the reviews from 2005 and earlier remark on poor leadership. There is a new principal now.
--Submitted by a parent

We were on the verge of sending our daughter to private school, because Stark didn't look good objectively, NCLB, Greatschools rating, etc. We visited the school and were encouraged by what we observed. Thank goodness! Every single teacher and administrator we've encountered has been fantastic. We couldn't be happier than we are with the school. I'm so relieved that we didn't leap into private school without trying Stark first.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Stark School! The teachers are incredible and the kids are very kind and respectful to one another and to all teachers and staff. My kids are doing incredible! Would not choose to go to any other school. Stark School is the best!
--Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school. I have 5 kids and they all went here I am sad to to see my fifth child graduate. Choose this school if you are undecided
--Submitted by a former student

We are having a great experience at Stark School. The teachers are wonderful and very enthusiastic about teaching all kids. There don't seem to be the same discipline problems that we had to deal with at the school we transferred from. Kids at Stark seem to learn respect for others in addition to the '3 Rs'. We're very happy to have transferred here!
--Submitted by a parent