P.S. 186 Castlewood

This is a very welcoming school the principal is very welcoming and knows every child by name, if you have any concerns she is there to help. The teachers care about your child. The security guard zulie is wonderful. The gym teacher mr. Gomez is great. It's a close knit school. My son loves this school. It's the best school in district 26.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school has: Excellent teachers Strong principal/school leadership Challenging academic programs PS 186 has all of this and more. To justify a rating based on parent attendance at a child's birthday party is not fair. Parents are always welcomed in our school, and encouraged to participate in workshops, conferences, and PTA functions. We have a supportive and active PTA who work with our administration to provide programs which enhance our children's elementary school experience. I hope that the person who submitted the low ranking, based on parents not being allowed to come in for birthdays, would speak to someone on the SLT, or to our principal, to find out some of the very legitimate reasons this position was taken.
—Submitted by a teacher

Parents are no longer allowed to come in for their child's birthday parties. Very disappointing..
—Submitted by a parent

PS 186 - I am absolutely thrilled to send my two children to Castlewood. I love how the teachers interact with the children and how the Ms. Quinn knows everyone. She always makes it a point to come and meet and greet to say hi if she sees you in the hallway. The school is wonderful, the techniques and education methodological being applied is great. I am proud to say my kids attend PS 186. The Little School with a BIG HEART.
—Submitted by a parent

The best thing I could say about this school is that it is a public school with a private feeling. Our principal, Mrs. Quinn, knows every students names, including their siblings who are not attending the school yet! The teachers are caring and nurturing, the office staff is wonderful, the school facilities are always clean and maintained and the families are kind and very involved. My only regret is that Castlewood only goes up to the 5th grade. I wish it would expand to the 8th grade (and fast!).
—Submitted by a parent

Proud to say my child is a student at this fine school! Teachers and Mrs. Quinn are outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

The outstanding quality of this school just keeps getting better! This is my daughter's third year in this school, and I am continually impressed by the quality of the principal, the teachers and the school's academic program. The curriculum is very challenging (even for bright children like my daughter), but the teachers are so loving and kind, that they keep the kids engaged and motivated to do their personal best. Comparing notes with parents from other schools in Queens and Long Island, the level of the work being done in Castlewood goes over and beyond what other schools are doing! On this, the last day of school, my daughter said she wished today was the first day of school, so she could do the whole school year over again, because she loves her teachers so much! As a parent, what could be better than hearing that?!? To the kids, Castlewood is much, much more than a school -- it's a caring, nurturing, supportive environment that becomes their home away from home, where the staff and students alike become family. We are truly blessed to be a part of the Castlewood family...
—Submitted by a parent

This school is an absolute dream. The Principal is fantastic and the teachers are phenomenal. My child has improved so much since attending this school. I love the level of professionalism and diligence towards educating our children. If i have one criticism, it would be that they should hold our kids to higher standards. I believe they are capable of doing so much more.The curriculum needs to be more challenging.
—Submitted by a parent

The 'Family' atmosphere. I experience the genuine concern of the teachers and staff for our children to succeed. The artful balance of nurturing and challenging them. The high standard for learning,and the encouragement to make it happen. I'm so, so grateful.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school. Its staff is knowledgable, caring, committed to their students learning and well being, and approachable. This school is very welcoming. I feel at peace when I am at work because my children are in a very safe environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Castlewood is a great school. It provides it students with a love of learning not only in the books but through the arts and technology. Castlewood provides a safe, clean environment for all student, staff and parents and is flourishing with a very involved and caring staff as well as devoted parent involvement. Regardless of any age or level that students are they always thrive here at Castlewood, they are taught to be the best they can be, to beleive in themselves and to be kind good cititzens to their classmates and community
—Submitted by a parent

It is a pleasure to be in such a caring and impressive learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school with a wonderful learning/nurturing environment. My child is very happy there.
—Submitted by a parent

The Castlwood School is a very caring environment where children come to learn and respect others.
—Submitted by a teacher

Because It has an excelent teachers staff who do all that children need. Children are very happy in this school!!!

The school is such a success because every member of this school's staff, from the Principal on down, genuinely cares about these children. They put their hearts into their work and continually go over and above their required responsibilities to ensure these children are not only successful academically, but in life as well. The school operates as a one, big, caring family -- a home away from home. Another exceptional aspect is the school's open door policy which encourages parental involvement. The school holds frequent events such as Family Literacy Night, Family Fitness Night, Dr. Seuss Day, Winter and Spring Concerts, and many other events, where the principal, teachers and staff of all levels voluntarily participate in order to strengthen the relationship between home and school. We are truly blessed to attend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are so caring and communicate often with parents. There is an emphasis on community and caring about others in the classroom. Each of my children has an individualized education appropriate for how she learns and at the level she learns. It is truly a special place.
—Submitted by a parent

Castlewood School has teachers that care about the kids. Mrs. Troy Quinn is an unbelievably great principal. She knows all the kids in the school and also remembers the kids who have graduated. My son attended preschool inclusion class there and he had such a great experience. Their special education is excellent. The teachers work exceptionally hard.
—Submitted by a parent

I love p.S 186 because it is a great school! the enviorment of the school is so warming to all the students and parents.I enjoy knowing that my son has such great teachers , that are sensitive to all the childrens needs. I love castlewood!
—Submitted by a parent

It is a nice neighborhood school. And it has very good teachers