Primary Prep

I can't help but question the comments of the submission made on June 12. Did this parent take the time to research the school before registering? It would have been obvious that there was no grass or garden if it was a true concern at the time. Did this parent ever walk the halls of the school and take time to view the artwork that covers the walls or hear the sounds of the children singing along with a phenomenal choral director? As for fundraising, it's always optional and keeps tuition down. Sounds like this parent is not a team player and is only looking for a school that will entertain their child instead of actually being educated. Primary Prep offers a perfect balance of creativity and education.
—Submitted by a parent

We just can't bring ourselves to giving Primary Prep a great rating. Over two years, the academics have become so traditional and rote that our oldest is so bored she becomes tearful and reluctant to learn. The only "fun" to be had for the kids is centered around two fundraiser musicals that eat up excessive amounts of effort and time from the children and we have all come to learn that they are not all that fun for the kids! These events are geared towards entertaining adults and raising money. Due to the overpopulation, we can't even view our children performing! The other numerous fundraisers throughout the year have become so great in number and such a nuisance that we had to distance ourselves greatly. Sadly, Art, Spanish, and gym happen only once a week and the only break the kids get daily is a short recess on a black top. There is no grass, garden, or recycling efforts. Although the school seems to have good intentions, it has fallen so incredibly short on delivering a curriculum that will engage children and lead them to love learning. If you are looking for a school that wants to repress the joy, fun, and creative nature of your child then this school is for you!
—Submitted by a parent

I have very mixed feelings about this school. The physical space is very clean and cheerful and my daughter's PreK 4 teacher is wonderful, but I am very disappointed in the curriculum. My daughter now dreads school, when she used to be so happy to go. Her 3 year old Abbot program used a HighScope curriculum and it was much more creative and connected to the children's interests. Now she is being drilled on writing her letters perfectly (You can do better!) is a common comment on her homework and the approach feels very old school in a bad way. Fingers crossed that we can get into a charter. We are considering leaving for a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has lost it's edge and am saddened to hear that my friends have pulled their two kids out for next year because they thought it was somewhat cold and overcrowded. However, I consider my family lucky that my kids graduated from the small and nurturing Primary Prep of yesteryear and will not be a part of the machine that it has become. It is indeed a shame that yet another great school in Jersey City has soured. I think it was the small and intimate setting of the school that made it special and sadly, all the newcomers to the school have no idea of what they have missed. Like my cousins, they will see it soon enough when they realize that their kids are attending a school that is traditional, strict, and doesn't allow for much freedom of expression. The new primary prep is like a traditional catholic school because it is the easiest and most cost effective way of dealing with kids. As parents and soon to be grandparents of Jersey City, we should demand more from our school systems.
—Submitted by a parent

My youngest started in Pre-K 3 and has been at Primary Prep for a few years now. He absolutely loves, loves, loves it! The elementary school teachers are truly caring and nurturing. He is, academically, far beyond his friends that attend the public schools in Jersey City. He is counting money (including coins), adding, subtracting, telling time, and reading in Kindergarten. IT'S A GREAT SCHOOL FOR GRADES 4 AND BELOW, but I wish I could say the same for the middle school! it's really sad how something so wonderful can fall so flat the next year! Parents are involved but very cliquish...and you literally have to 'donate' your time, goods, or funds for your concerns to get answered. I know of children whose parents were told there was no room in some grades for their child, but the next school year we would see new students in those same grades! Pre-K through 4th grade I give 5 STARS all the way! Middle School at Primary Prep gets 1 STAR.
—Submitted by a parent

Primary Prep is a very good school from Preschool through maybe 2nd grade, but it's gone down since then. Friends with kids in 7th and 8th grade say that they are happy again with the upper grades. There are some very good teachers, but also some weak ones. The school reminds me of a catholic school from the 70s, without the religion. Kids with any behavioral problems don't do well at the school, but most other kids do fine. Teachers can be punitive and there is a huge emphasis on rote learning and making sure that kids are reading and writing before most experts think it's developmentally appropriate. Mrs. Hoffman is definitely not open to hearing this (or much other feedback- you have to stay on her good side!) Tons of homework, which causes stress every night and all the kids get turned off. We like the arts program, but my kids only want to go to school at the beginning of the week. Most families I know admit to applying for the 2 decent charter schools, but Primary Prep is a good option if you don't get a spot in them. It's more affordable than other private schools and better (in my opinion) that the public schools in Jersey City.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now in the 7th grade and has been going to this school since 2ng grade. My child began with many challenges, one including lack of concentration and consistantly poor grades because of it. The principal Mrs. Hoffman was involved every step of the way and nurtured our son and helped get extra help for him. Faculty in this school know the students by name. They know their interests. They have amazing extra curricular activities, such as drama, 2 hour art classes, 2 hour physical education classes, piano lessons, guitar lessons, glee, etc...the extra music lessons are an extra fee a month depending on the teacher, but they are great. Academically they are on par. When you need to communicate with the teachers...you can easily because they all provide you with the primary prep email addresses. The only thing I wish to change is the lunch. Its just not healthy enough..pizza, chicken nuggets, etc. You of course have the option to send your kids with their own lunch and that is perfectly fine....I love this school and so does my son!!
—Submitted by a parent

We feel this school is the best fit for our daughter. She is highly self-motivated and has a strong academic and social competence. We feel this school's curriculum challenges her intellectually. Their arts department and after-school activities offer a variety of social, spiritual and emotional development.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff, not only the child's teachers, knows each of the students by name and face. The teacher is also looking out for the social development of a child; aside from academic growth. The facilities are clean and well-maintained. The principal encourages parents to volunteer, but not pressure them into it. There are after-school activities aside from "after-care." These activities range from piano, guitar, dance, soccer, karate, chess, bricks4kidz, foreign languages, and religious education. Each class charges an extra fee, depending on the activity/teacher. It is usually more affordable than getting this class on your own from an outside teacher/institution. "This allows families to have more time with each other on weekends", according to the principal. I totally agree. Instead of running around to different places for each child (for mulitple children), most of their extracurricular actitivities have been covered during the week. This is a private school. Everything comes with a price; but you won't be disappointed with the quality with what you're paying for.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son who went to this school: he enjoyed first grade through fifth grade. It was a great elementary school. But then, things began to go sour. The teachers for middle school pay absolutely no attention to the students. The academic program is horrible. I would not recommend sending your children to this school for middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

One thing that struck me in this school was that the staff truly cared for my son. He's a new student in 1st grade and they said that he is "too quiet." I liked that they were concerned with his social development even if he's doing well academically. The students are respectful and mindful of their manners. In this city, during these "modern" times, it is a delight to see children with great manners. The school has a well-balanced curriculum. It has a good academic program. The 1st graders have a reasonable amount of homework every day (except Friday). I like that they still have music, visual and performing arts, when a lot of schools have already taken that out of their curriculum. They do not force us into fundraisers, but as with any other school, it is highly encouraged. The after-school program offers time for homework and extra-curricular activies. I love it when the principal said, "we're offering these activities in school so you have more time to spend with your children on weekends."
—Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters, one who graduated from Primary prep and one who still goes there. They love it very much. I like it because the teachers will work with you if your child has a problem
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school, with teachers that care only about themselves and pay no attention to the students. They teach just to make the day pass by, not to actually teach and inspire. Those who are smart and are doing good, are usually just left to fend for themselves as the others receive large amounts of attention to no avail. If your child is smart and outstanding I do not recommend sending him/her to this school. If not, this is the place for him.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids love going to this school and are excelling as we have always hoped they would. There is a really grounded, common sense, and wholesome feel about the school and the kids are very well behaved. There are many fundraisers which can be annoying but no pressure to participate as the school is not financially dependent on parents. The leader of the school is very intelligent, experienced, and kind and clearly runs a tight ship. We highly recommend this school and are glad we found it!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been with the school for over three years and are very glad in the choice we made in Primary Prep. The school is very intimate and the children are very respectful and seem well rounded. The school expects a lot from the children and there isn't much tolerance for bad behavior. The academics are very good and interestingly, many different teaching methods are incorporated. we give the school a lot of credit that our children have fun at school, love to learn, and look forward to going.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very pleased with Primary Prep and believe that it provides the right environment to help children reach their full potential. The class sizes are small and the curriculum is very thoughtful and challenging. The kids seem to get the perfect balance of being nurtured and listened to while also learning to respect and value others. The school is diverse and the children are enriched by it. The children of the school are well behaved and sweet for the most part. The principal of the school is kind, experienced, and dedicated. The school doesn't advertise too much and has flourished by word of mouth. So glad that we were lucky enough that someone directed us to the school!
—Submitted by a parent

As a family, we absolutely love this school! Our 8th grader graduated last year and was accepted into a great High School as were most of his peers. Our other younger child is doing great at the school and loves going. We are grateful to Primary Prep for providing our children with a wonderful program that academically challenges yet is still fun and 'hands on'. The principal is very dedicated and runs the school unbelievably well. We are very grateful to belong to such a wonderful school that gets the job done and provides a warm and nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Primary Prep is an excellent school if you prize academics, small class sizes and a nurturing environment. Our child is doing fantastic at school and loves belonging to Primary Prep. The school is very orderly and organized and the teachers are wonderful and respected. The administration is extremely approachable and open minded. We would like to see improvement in the lunch menu so that it is 100% healthy. The after school programs are high quality and thoughtful. The location of the school is ideal and the huge parking lot is a plus. By observing the well behaved children in the school, it is clear that the school does a great job promoting respect for self and others.
—Submitted by a parent

We are in our 3rd year at Primary Prep and our children are very content and excelling academically. We are very confident that they are being prepared for real world experiences and challenges. Primary Prep is a truly diverse and interesting place. It has a warm atmosphere and the class sizes are small. The afterschool program is very impressive and organized. The principal is well loved, respected, and knows how to run a school. The best part of the school is the genuine caring for the children and the priority of providing a 'cutting edge' and rich curriculum. We couldn't be more pleased in the choice we made to enroll our children.
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 year old began in September and he love it!!!!!! Ms J is so nice and smart and is a great teacher..... Breandan has never been in school before so I was a bit scared but she and the whole staff made us feel like family... I hope the school stays this way because we plan to make this his school until 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent