Primary Prep

Hello, Our children have been flourishing at the school for five years now! We break it down into 3 reasons 1) excellent and challenging program/academics 2) small classrooms 3) warm and nurturing environment without too much pampering. Primary Prep students are very well behaved and respectful and I think it's because the school sets the bar high and expects much from the kids. We have not had one teacher we didn't like and every teacher has been very open and accessible to us. The principal is exceptional: hands on, open minded, humble, and dedicated. We are truly thankful that we attend this school and it has been one of the main reasons we will not move from 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