Dorchester Elementary School

The teachers and staff are extremely dedicated professionals. Smaller class sizes lead to lots of individual attention and guidance. The parent organizations are amazing! They fund-raise constantly!! Which allows them to offer/subsidize MANY after-school activities (chess, Lego robotics, golf, fashion, and many more!) and purchase items for various grades (white boards, cameras etc). The school offers hot lunches and after-care for an extra fee. As far as community goes, the town is primarily middle to upper class families - it's really a mix of everything. You've got the "dad's a CEO in NYC, mom's taking yoga classes while the kids are at school, then shuttles them around to ballet and tennis after school - all while wearing designer clothes, shoes and bag"...but you also have the dual-income families! The racial make up is predominantly white with a small percentage of Asians, and a minuscule percentage of anything else. The parents are extremely "cliquey" (usually with neighbors or with parents of other students in the same grade). However, as a new resident, and new mom to the school - when I approached people - they were extremely friendly!
--Submitted by a parent

Good school. Involved and dedicated teachers. Good principal. Poor special needs services. There aren't many special needs children in the school. Not sure if they aren't integrated or if the school doesn't accept many special needs children? Very few after school activities. Small classes which is excellent. Not very culturally diverse. Would have liked it to be more diverse. Overall kids are happy. Will rate the school with 3 stars because of poor special needs services and inclusion.
--Submitted by a parent

Very clicky surroundings. Values are diversified, not consistently on the high end. Not the kindest atmosphere to raise youngsters, however the minors may dismiss some obvious parental materialism. Education is very good. Some very diverse creativity among the few. Physical and creative arts need support since they are excellent. Transitional adventures seem for some to be in deficiency. Some parents are generous with their hearts and many with their time or wealth. Teachers are admirably performing, plenty are excellent. No child left behind do not miss the train.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending this school. My oldest has had some of the hardest teachers who have given her a truely a strong academic education foundation. My younger child has had a poor adacdemic experience. Quality of teachers has been lacking including discipline, experience and structure of class ciriculum. I attribute this loss of educational standards to recent administrative changes. We have had a large turn over of teachers and a mass of new hire teachers with little experience. The social enviroment is fine. My kids like it here, although it is a very strong wealthy jewish population which leads a strong influence in the school. The school is small and so is class size which is good, but on the flip side we have no limited services and we have to join other towns for sports and extra curricular activites.
--Submitted by a parent

Dorchester has very involved parents and administrators and specialized programs to meet the needs of children with special needs and those who benefit from enrichment programs. Administrators have personal contact with parents and are available to address their concerns and questions. The school has a growing population from diverse backgrounds which include several faiths and cultures which add to an atmosphere of tolerance and interest in others in addition to those coming from a Christian-Judeo background. It is my feeling that people are drawn to this district for it's commitment to the children and a strong academic discipline. It is a top rate learning environment because of the dedicated staff and parent body and it strives to be better and better!
--Submitted by an administrator

Great teachers. Good principal. Good curiculum. Clean well kept physical environment. My kids like it here. Social atmosphere: Large close knit jewish population which heavily supports one another within its own jewish community.
--Submitted by a parent

The best asset this school has can be summed up in one word: involvement. The staff and principal care greatly about their students, and take the time to get to know them. The parents donate their time and their money to help fund programs that set the school apart. The PFA and the Educational Foundation ensure that there are abundant after-school activities, innovative programs, and the latest technology tools. For more info, visit the school's website: www.woodcliff-lake.com
--Submitted by a parent