P.S. 81 Robert J Christen

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