Our World Neighborhood Charter School

We have been most impressed with this school. Some data: *Ranked #11 by The Observer for Best Middle School in New York City in 2012; *Ranked a "Notable School" by InsideSchools; *over 3 consecutive years, 90%+ of OWNCS parents reported "high satisfaction" with the school according to DOE surveys; *the majority of students go on to their first choice high school; *the school has implemented a comprehensive plan to assist special needs children; *and over four consecutive years the school has had over a 500 student waitlist. There is strong parent-teacher coordination, and real sense that this a community. The administration has a strong strategic vision that embraces diversity and demanding academics. Sports like tennis, soccer, and basketball are all offered, along with salsa and African drumming. A big league school with high expectations of its staff and students, and a record to match.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just started here this year. She came from a local public school and I realized as soon as she got here that she was behind academically. Within a month a specialist was able to spend time with her and get her up to speed with the other children. While the school doesn't have the fancy facilities of a public school (gym, cafeteria, auditorium), I prefer it here, where class sizes are smaller and there is a wonderful, warm feeling. The staff are young and energetic and know how to deal with children in a positive way. Group projects are encouraged-something we all could use help with. The foreign language and art program are also impressive. I am very pleased with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

MY CHILD WENT TO THIS SCHOOL. TEACHERS SEND THEIR KIDS TO THIS SCHOOL. DEFINITELY FOR SMART KIDS. NOT GOOD IF YOUR KIDS HAVE IEPs. THE SCHOOL HAS THE WORST STAFF BUT GREAT TEACHERS. IT IS A MIRACLE THE PLACE STAYS OPEN. PHONE NEVER ANSWERED. NO CALLS/E,MAILS RETURNED UNLESS IT IS TO THEIR BENEFIT. FUN PLACE TO WORK, KIDS NOT FIRST PRORITY. PARENTS GET IN THEIR WAY. IF YOU WORK A LOT AND HAVE A SMART KID THIS IS A GREAT SCHOOL. WARNING THE BOARD IS THE PRINCIPAL'S BEST FRIENDS. AGAIN GREAT TEACHERS!!!!!

Strong leadership. ELA and Social studies curriculum outstanding. Math program has shown amazing improvement. Science curriculum is nearly non-existent with inefficient teaching.. And administration is beginning to look like nepotism central. A very good school that I still recommend to others, but it needs to expand administration to include a representative sample of the community. In this economy, it seems laughable that the ONLY people hired are relatives or friends of administration. This needs to be addressed by the boar before it affects the good reputation the school has as a diverse community.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools in Queens. Strong leadership by the principal, diverse school, a lot of parent involvement. Strong academics , small classes and caring teachers who are determined to have the students succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has encouraged my child to be their very best. Teachers and staff are great. Middle School academically excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at OWN and have been very happy with the atmosphere in the school and the quality of the education. The kids are engaged intellectually, and happy socially. The school has some physical obstacles -- for instance a space shortage, including lack of a gym or playground in the elementary school. However, this is the kind of school that promotes respect for others and a love of learning, but has to make do with using the gym at a local health club (NOT too shabby a solution, if you ask me!) I have concerns about the middle school, but we still have a couple of years, and I understand there have been improvements such that there is more continuity between the elementary and middle school experiences. So far, my family is very pleased with OWN and would recommend it whole-heartedly.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has thrived at this school since First Grade and will be graduating this year. It has had growing pains and struggling with the demands the NYC DOE puts on it as well as funding but my child has excelled academically. This school is very academic oriented and encourage my child to be their absolute best. Great teachers (bad ones don't last long) and high standards. The only thing I wish is that the school had an expulsion policy. There are a handful of kids who don't really belong here - when there is a waiting list of eager students to get in.
—Submitted by a parent

It has been an amazing experience. The teachers and administrators work so hard to make sure our children get the best education. They take the time out to support all their needs.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a middle school child I am not at all pleased the way the school is being run. I find that some of the staff singles out certain students & are quick to issue detentions or punishments without having all of the facts. They are quick to believe certain students while others are not given the benefit of the doubt. I also find that when I as a parent request to have a meeting with a staff member I should be accommodated. Instead there is never a response to my request. The senior trip that is planned for the students is not a fun type of trip - I feel it's more educational. Not even a prom is being offered - while many public schools do have that option. From my experience I wouldn't send my 2nd child to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

If we were talking about the elementary school, I would have given 4 stars... great atmosphere, excellent academics, fantastic teachers. Always room for improvement...high teacher turnover!! When your child goes from 5th grade onto the middle school years, as a parent one must look to competing in the wider world of high school and beyond. 7 years ago, there were promises made of a focus on getting our school K-8 under one roof, with a proper gym, lunchroom, music room, science lab etc. So far, our leadership has failed in that regard. Our middleschoolers are still 'doing without' and that is sad. We have a music program with no musical instruments!! The up-side is the small community feel of the school. The teachers work very hard with 'what they have'.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student in the Our World Neighborhood Charter School Middle School and I was new in that school.I started that school in September and I loved it.A lot of the teachers arenice and treat children with respect over there.For anybody who wants to go to that schoolit's a great school ith great education.
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at the middle school in OWN. The teachers are very nice(most of the time), but I'm extremely bored. I get 4s on my standardized tests and 100s on tests in school. I finish all my work long before the bell rings. Another thing: they punish everybody. They take away the whole grades priveleges, even if its only 5 people misbehaving. They say the students are responsible for other students behavior. I do what I'm supposed to do and do my work. I do not enjoy getting yelled at. I dont enjoy having silent lunch. I want to get into another school for 7th grade. I hope I make it into that school.
—Submitted by a student

I have been sending my children to this school since opening day, September 30, 2002. I have, until this year, been absolutely thrilled with the school. However, I do not like the direction the school is going rgarding testing. When the school was founded, the idea was to put as little emphasis on testing as possible. In this NCLB world, I know some test-stressing was necessary, however, I find that my children are now being taught to the test. A letter was sent home today by the assistant principal stating that test scores will be directly related to promotions. While this is not an issue for my children, the pressure being placed on the state tests is becoming onersous, and I am seriously reconsidering my own commitment to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children attending OWNCS, my oldest being there from the start in 2002. The school got off to a slow start, starting from scratch, and has progressively moved forward to be a top performing school in the district. The testing is necessary for the school to remain open according to the rules set forth in the original awarding of the charter by SUNY in 2001 and in the 5 year renewal of the charter earlier this year. There is homework every night with teachers encouraging parents to get involved with their children's education. The principal is doing a very good job, always looking for ways to improve the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending OWNCS since it started. I am very pleased with the school in general. The children feel very comfortable and interested in school. There is absolutely no pressure on testing and students are motivated at all times. I particularly like the fact the there is so much cultural diversity (even more than the rest of NYC schools) and the acceptance children get by being 'different'. My children are part of a minority group and receive special education. The principal is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

I am completely satisfied with OWN. My daughter started there in first grade and I saw so much improvement in her academics during her first year. The Principle is wonderful as are faculty. I was surprised to read some of the negative reviews and to that I say if you are that disappointed with the school then leave, I have another child on the wait list that I would love to get their seat.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. The principal is kind and knows each child by name.
—Submitted by a parent

In kindergarten my daughter scored below the 50th percentile. In second grade she jumped to 82%; reading 99%. Reading was a struggle for her but her first grade teacher was amazing. There is less emphasis on test preparation than other schools. Anyhow, how else can you compare the schools nationally? Without preparation, students score poorly and don't accurately reflect their knowledge. The principal is actively involved with the teachers, students, and PTO. Parents feel welcome in the classroom; teachers are accessible. Unlike other schools OWNCS doesn't keep teachers because they are tenured. Only those up to par return. Teachers are not there for the 'benefits', they love teaching and their enthusiasm show. My daughter loves learning thanks to a student-centered approach; subjects are presented in an interesting manner. The gym, spanish, and music teachers are excellent. OWNCS is doing great on its limited budget and gets better every year.
—Submitted by a parent

OWNCS is a disappointment. As others have pointed out it is poorly managed and overstresses test preparation. Teachers are not able to give students the skills they need for life learning. I am surprised there isn't a bigger turnover in staff and student composition.
—Submitted by a parent