Stevens Cooperative School

Meh-- it's simple. If you truly care about your children's education, you move to a town that has great schools. Stevens is not a great school, but I suppose it's not horrible compared to the rest of the selection in Hoboken/JC. If you are considering this school for your child, and you are an educated professional, you ought to consider having a family sit down to discuss which is more important: a.) your easy ferry commute to the financial district or b.) your children. We chose our children.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm really grateful for Steven and the education my children are receiving there. My three children's strengths, interests and needs are very different, but they all have been supported, inspired and challenged in ways that benefit them the most. With all three there since Kindergarten and now two in the Middle School, I am impressed with how "progressive education" plays itself out with older students. Our kids will all be there through eighth grade.
--Submitted by a parent

The academic program is virtually non-existent in grades K-4. Presentations at open houses and the curriculum put on paper are not executed with highest standards. As with any organization, the problems begin from the top down, but the exiting of the head of the school is coming way too late for us. I would never recommend this school to any professional or personal colleague.
--Submitted by a parent

We had a horrible experience at Stevens and wish we would have read these reviews before enrolling our daughter. Most teachers are Inexperienced, the administration is not qualified for the job, and the head of school is a despot. My daughter complaint frequently about being bored. Bullying was tolerated in her classroom. You get a disaster for $15,000 a year.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher at this school, I can tell you it was a miserable professional experience with administration. Teachers are told, when hired, that there is a budget for professional development, but when a great PD opportunity is suggested, they are told that there is no money, or that it isn't a valuable course/workshop. I was counseled to NOT pursue National Board Certification because it would "distract me from my classroom duties" WHAT??? I have since moved on, become Nationally Board Certified and am surrounded by progressive thinkers who truly value education by continuing their own learning. Stevens is stuck in the dark ages and ruled by an administrator with an iron fist. I would accept a position here ONLY if there were no other work options and you need to put food on the table.
--Submitted by a teacher

Stevens is only an average private, progressive-based institution for grades PK-8. The school has convenient, safe, locations close to NYC in Hoboken and Jersey City, which is the only reason we enrolled our children. There are no other lower school options in Hudson County that provide the same safe environment and quality facilities. However, the curriculum is simply not academically challenging and we hire tutors so our kids can engage in more dynamic and challenging activities. With the exception of a handful of quality teachers, the teaching staff is lackluster and inexperienced. Unfortunately, the administration is not amenable to opinions or critiques of parents; the head of school has been there too long and has lost perspective.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic! After a wonderful lower school experience we did our due diligence and looked into other middle school options but decided to stay. Are we glad!! Our child has blossomed from a "flakey" underachiever into an independent, engaged , curious and self motivated middle schooler who actually RETAINS information learned, reads voraciously and loves to learn. Instead of a dutiful test taker/rule follower, we are raising a born leader and independent thinker. Bravo stevens!
--Submitted by a parent

my kids started school this year and are very happy. The teachers are great and the environment of the school very supportive for kids learning.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started Stevens this year and so far it has been an excellent choice
--Submitted by a parent

We had a terrible middle-school experience when our child a Straight 'A' student who's attended prestigious Private Schools was thoroughly demoralized with the lack of proper teaching and curriculum in all areas other than Math. School administration from the Principal (was recently asked to leave by the Board as per rumors) down to the Admissions Director are dishonest and have a persistent habit of 'double-speak' regarding what the school offers and extracurricular activities at the School. They are insensitive and are desperately 'money-hungry' ! The after-school Computer class paid by us was a huge waste of time and money and a complete disappointment. My child is a prolific web-designer and computer crazy tween and the after school computer course was pre-historic. The Principal gets aggressive and hostile when she finds out kids are leaving Stevens and uses undue psych pressure on parents and the new school. Caveat Emptor !
--Submitted by a parent