P.S. 81 Robert J Christen

Academically, it is still a fine school, but beyond that it is declining rapidly. Bullying around the lunch room and at recess time, continues unabated and the administration is completely blind to it. Lip service is all we get from them. The continuing emphasis, sadly, is on test scores and though the curriculum is still met, fostering a love of learning seems to have gone out the window. While I realize this is the reality of Bush's No Child Left Behind Act, it is a sad commentary on our children's future. Teachers have to focus on these results and these results only. I don't think they like it any more than I do. The Parents Association tries hard, but the lingering apathy among too many of the other parents' makes those of us who do participate feel like we are shouldering an enormous burden... and for what? They need a new/real Principal and they need it soon. There is no real direction from the front office. The interim Principal is a great educator, but an invisible leader. Her predecessor was lacking in grace, but really controlled the school well. My child graduates this May and we are beyond ready to have P.S. 81 in our rear view mirror.
—Submitted by a parent

We were very happy to send our so to P.S.81. The faculty and administratopnn were very caring and extremely competent. The parents are very involved and there is a great sense of community. Overall a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been declining over the past couple years, there is not enough art or technology utilized in this school. There is a lot of bullying at lunch and at recess and the administration does not respond to parent requests for more information as to how they are addressing this problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Nothing is perfect so with that said as a public school this one is doing great. Do I want more art and music, yes! Would I like to see more physical activity time and play time? Yes. Would I like the principal and teachers to focus far less on test scores? Absolutely YES. However that will take a revolution so as long as the scores are tied to funds there can be very little change. Can the principal loosen some of the funds for these other activities, for sure. If enough parents band together change can occur. If not, then it won't.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent. of a 4th grader. Very happy with his teachers and the overall community through the years.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is always complaining the HW was easy. I think he need to get more work or be placed in a class where he does not become complacent and is constantly being challenged. I am woried he is falling behind.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in ps 81 and i always ask why the school does not give to the kids any kind of art class, like other shool, any music class, nothing
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the third grade and I'm getting pretty upset about the amount of homework. Some nights we are doing homework well past 9pm. And the test prep is out of this world. I think the focus of children have been lost to the bottom line ' the test scores'.Over all its a good school and they do care.
—Submitted by a parent

I think over all it's a good school. My grandson is really happy attending.
—Submitted by a parent

It seems as if the school only cares about good report card for the Board of Education. There are hardly any art, music or science classes. There is a good level of parent involvement through the PA but parents also have to pick up where the teachers left off or nurture their children in subjects like art and chess and sports. Also, the quality of education seems to rest solely in the hands of the teacher assigned to your child each year.Overall, it is a good school but not the best school if you want your child to have a well rounded, liberal, full curriculum with extra curricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two kid's in P.S.81, one is still there. I think it's a good school. Both of my kid enjoy the experiences. My wife and I, think the stuff are also wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

As of Feb 2006, the focus is on standardized tests, standardized tests, standardized tests. All they do is practice standardized tests. There are no projects, no field trips. (My daughter has been there 3 years -- she's gone on 2 field trips in that time.) There's very little art, or music, or sports. (Maybe they'll get an art lesson every month or so.) Lots of parental involvement - not involving the curriculum, just around fundraising. PS81 administrators are stuck in the Stone Age. They use threats of expulsion and other heavy-handed tactics to deal with discipline problems. I wish I'd never put my children here.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for 6 years. He did wonderfully. This school addressed his needs to the fullest. He thrived. The teachers and staff there are wonderful. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended 2 years. Academically the school is solid. One year he got a mediocre education, the next he got a superior education. Teachers are professional. Building is well maintained and inviting. Fantastic parental involvement has led to more resources than most NYC public schools, include Sat. programs and Arts. A bit overcrowded. Most discipline problems handled appropriately, but there is bullying and other common schoolyard minor violence. Many staff from the neighborhood, which helps a lot. Very friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

P.S. 81 is a wonderful, diverse, safe and welcoming school. In addition to the excellent classroom instruction provided by the well-qualified teachers, students are exposed to numerous arts and cultural programs. P.S. 81 has art, music and computer teachers. There are on-going programs in conjunction with Lincoln Center and a clarinet instructional program for 4th and 5th graders, in addition to numerous guest performances and presentations. The administration and guidance counselors ensure that each child's individual needs are addressed. Being a large NYC public school, you may have to jump through some hurdles, but you can and will be heard. The Parents' Association is very active and involved in supporting and improving the quality of P.S. 81's programs. Children graduating from P.S. 81 are well prepared to enter competitive and academically rigorous middle schools, both public and private. Overall, I am very pleased with my children's experiences at P.S. 81.
—Submitted by a parent

Robert J. Christen is a warm and inviting school with a good mix of traditional and more modern teaching methods. The teachers are dedicated and encourage parental involvement. The PTA is very active and welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

The experience was a pleasant one for us and our 2 children. The best teachers were the kindergarten teachers. Other execellent teachers were Mrs. Harris (5th grade), Ms. Levine (Kindergarten; used to teach 2nd grade) and Ms. Turitz (Kindergarten). We came in with great teachers and left with great teachers. Loved mostly everything. Location, safety, curriculum, pleasant children, good teachers (except for one, who was very hard on all her students). Highly recommend school.
—Submitted by n/a n/a, a parent

New aministration no proven track record yet. Teachers are just so so. my own four children went to this very ethnetic school. Outsiders are not too welcome. my four kids did well here. Better of the two Riverdale public schools.
—Submitted by a parent