P.S. 203 Oakland Gardens

As a parent at PS 203, I am convinced this is the best school in NYC. I understand that some parents are frustrated with the school s culture of high academic expectations especially if their dc needs extra help. There is no peanut buttering of kids here. However, in an increasing competitive global economy, it s absolutely right for the administration and faculty to set the bar very high. The school s PTA works hard to reinforce this philosophy of excellence. If the price is for me to work an extra hour a week to provide my child with five extra pencils that he may or may not need, so be it. If you don t buy into the school s rigorous focus or believe elementary school is too early for such scholarly focus, then, this is not the right school you. Frankly, no school in this district is right for you. No school is right for every child and family. You re not obligated to buy a house in Bayside Hills It s a big City. However, for my family, I know they are laying a fantastic foundation for my children s future and I can't be happier that we re part of this community.
—Submitted by a parent

Supposedly one of best schools in NYC, but that doesn't say a lot about the school itself. Principal is not friendly and is focused on herself, and test scores. She doesn't really care if the students learns or not. PTA is useless. They don't represent the parents. Just does what the school wants and tries to collect money from parents. Speaking of money, they require you to bring more school supplies than any kid can ever use. In some cases, 5X as much as what I've seen in Manhattan schools not far away. Best part about school: teachers are good, but only a matter of time until they get annoyed with rest of school. Worst part: Everyone is so focused on standardized tests and how the school ranks. What about the kids growth and development? Apparently not important here. So not worth buying an expensive house in Bayside for this quality (or lack thereof) of education.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 203 is indeed TOP NOTCH, the best of all the best in NYC. I am happy and proud to be part of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 203 Queens was named a National Blue Ribbon School for its academic excellence by the United States Department of Education. Congratulations Principal Nussbaum and all the dedicated teachers and staff of this amazing school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Without a doubt, P.S. 203 is one of the VERY BEST schools in New York. Every teacher here expects every child to excel. The principal expects every child to develop a strong academic foundation before they graduate. Some may argue this places too much pressure on children. My children can come back home and complaint during their summer recess at an Ivy League University.
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 children and 5 nephews went to P.S. 203. The teachers are extremely caring and highly motivating to the students. The parents are very involved as well. The school is academically one of the best schools around. The big secret though is that their creative and performing arts programs are just as strong. The dance, music, drama and fine arts teachers work closely together to produce several performances per class during the school year and ALL students participate, not just the talented ones. The school principal always comments that we have our own Broadway production. She is a tough administrator but very fair and loving. She cares about her students and her staff. When my youngest was nearing graduation, she asked "Do I have to graduate? I don't want to leave P.S. 203, it's so fun here." That pretty much sums up how wonderful the school is. Strong Academics + Strong Arts = Top School It is true that a couple of secretarial staff could be friendlier but don't let them affect your impression of the school. They don't teach the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Great principal. Students push each other to do better. One of the crown jewels of NYC public school system.
—Submitted by a parent

My son who is currently 5 is ready to attend kindergarden at ps203. The first person my wife and I had contact with was a lady (not to mention her name..) who handles all registration related applications. Not only was she impatient with us, very unhelpful, and rude. She provided incorrect info which may have cause my son to get into the school! After many attempts to get more info from her, after we missed the open registration period (due to mostly her fault after given incorrect info!). She finally asked us to come in with our child with all the paper work for registration. We reminded ourselves to be very friendly, and polite due the history of how she conducts her work. She actually refused to shake my wife's hand when we initially met at the lobby. Some how pretended not to even notice my wife had her hand up waiting to shake her hand, and just asked us "where is your child"? (there were many people in the lobby at the time, so she might not have seen our child). This lady pretty much gave us a very bad experience about this school, I'm hoping the teachers and everyone else is not like her whatsoever.
—Submitted by a parent

Have have raised 2 kids through PS 203 and find the teachers and staff knowledgable and helpful. I recommend this school whole-heartedly!
—Submitted by a parent

my child doesn't like math and she gets very high scores. great school fun S.O days carnival day great school
—Submitted by a parent

PS 203 is a great school. Some political stuff that goes on...otherwise...happy that my kids were privelaged to go.
—Submitted by a parent

The Principal is very devisive and manipulative. If your child is not superior, do not contemplate this school. Favoritism rules among teachers, parents, students.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a great school for my child! It's a wonderful place to learn and very fun! The teachers and wonderful adults. They always succeed and it is a great place!
—Submitted by a parent

Principal is contentious and devisive. She rules with an iron fist and if you cross her, look out. The school constantly has its hand out for 'donations' and a steady stream of additional supplies for projects etc. Too much attention to test scores and teaching to the test. Far too much parental jockeying for 'top class teachers'.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with a previous post where the focus is on test scores and less emphasis on overall child development.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the great schools part of District 26. Great educators, many extracurricular activities and huge parent involvement make the Oakland Gardens School an atractive environment for the students and parents alike.
—Submitted by Ion Ion, a parent

This school is very diverse. It has an enhanced program of academics and activities. The community and parents in general are very involved. The principal is very devoted and the teachers are young, prepared and energetic.
—Submitted by J H, a teacher

I have a daughter who has been a student since Kindergarten and will be graduating June 2006. Overall I am pleased, however, I do have some concerns. Too much emphasis is placed on City and State exam preparations while some subtle and important learning criteria are overlooked, such as penmanship, vocabulary, and wrting skills development. In addition, basic intoduction to foreign languages, science and history are not given the attention or emphasis which should be provided to nurturing elementary students. Finally, class sizes are too large and the teachers are at best slightly better than moderate. In closing, I'm concerned that overall student development is being sacrificed for school reputation and salary bonuses. P.S. 203 is a good school, however, if your looking for a 'great' school - look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. I am very happy with the staff and all the programs.
—Submitted by a parent

pretty good school. Quiet environment and good student source.
—Submitted by a parent