P.S. 9 Teunis G Bergen

Don't look at the test scores if you have a young child! We've lived in the neighborhood for 12+ years. The neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation, especially in the past 5 years. PS9 used to have a bad name. Parents with $$$ put their kids in private school or left. This is a thing of the past. Nowadays, smart people move here for PS9. My only child is in currently in Pre-K at PS9. We love her teacher and are amazed at the quality of education we get, for free. New neighbors own their houses and have a vested interest. PK-2nd grade classes are great right now. As this new batch of kids moves up, those test scores will follow. After-school programs/other enrichment options are affordable, loving and good. The PTA is extremely active. Last year the school unexpectedly lost a lot of money because too few children qualified for school lunch (changing demographic). The PTA sprung into action and, with support of the principal and her team, raised enough money from donations and grants to fill the hole. Criticism: morning announcements are too longwinded. The principal likes her own voice too much. A small price to pay though. Highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at P.S. 9 since PreK, is currently in a 2nd grade general education classroom and is currently reading at 4th grade level. Every teacher we've worked with at the school has been excellent, engaged and provided rigorous academic education. Teachers and administration work incredibly hard with very little to provide this along with science, library, spanish, commitment to physical play, enrichment activities and the arts. The Playworks recess program is new this year and provides a substantial increase in opportunities for play and physical fitness as well as conflict resolution for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

We live in the PS9 zone and have been watching, researching and attending events at this school for several years, as we have two children who are now, or are approaching, school age. We've been so impressed with what we've seen at the school that despite touring multiple so-called "progressive" public schools available in this district, PS9 was easily our first choice. Sadly, the pre-K program is so popular in the community that we couldn't get our child in! But we started kindergarten recently and so far it has been really wonderful - teachers who are warm, rigorous and responsive, dynamic principal, and enthusiastic and involved parents. The kids are wonderful, of course! We are so excited to see how the rest of the year goes!
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have a 3rd grader at 9 who was first enrolled in pre-k. The schools has gotten better over the years and the teachers are wonderful. One negative aspect of 9 is its plagued with a political atmosphere and favortism. My child has had to major incidents where principal D'avilia stated corrective measures would be put in place and it never happened. I even to to get the parent coordinator involved but she just went along with the principal. The principal claims to have an open door policy but its only for a select few.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in pre-k at PS9 and we are absolutely delighted. He has a wonderful teacher and the class size is small with a good teacher:student ratio. They have science, Spanish, cooking, acrobatics and library as extra classes. The classroom is filled with art and science projects. The principal is amazing and has made PS9 a wonderful community school which is such an asset to Prospect Heights. The teachers are extremely dedicated and the parents are super involved. We can't wait for Kindergarten!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is amazing, what everyone says about her is true! The teachers are enthusiastic and dedicated. After considering other options, we're glad we decided to send our daughter here; she is being challenged and is thriving!
—Submitted by a parent

We are anticipating our little one's first day in September, with delight! Cannot wait to be involved in every aspect of the PTA and the great team that we have heard about. The principal is most endearing in our brief meeting.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the way the principal treats the children and the family members who support the children that attend PS9. I find it extremely exciting to enter a building wherein a student actually holds the door open for others who are about to enter the school. A smile runs across my face when I think of all of the hard work that goes into the awesome activities that the school's PTA provides for the children. The fact that parental involvement is encouraged constantly creates for a wonderful environment in the school and the community at large! Thanks to the teachers, administrators, support staff, PTA, and our children who continue to help push PS9 towards excellence!
—Submitted by a parent

Without a doubt, it's the principal, Mrs. Sandra D'Avilar, Charmaine Jacobs, VP Smith and ALL the dedicated teachers and staff. I feel at home there and I feel that my children are in the best hands. Mostly, they are their for the children and that's what matters to me. GOD BLESS PS 09...hooooray!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Its a loving, creative, school that do their best with very small resources.
—Submitted by a parent

My child gets the extra support he needs.
—Submitted by a parent

PS ( is a wonderful school. We have been part of the PS 9 community for 5 years now and have been very pleased. Everyone from the principal, teachers and parent coordinator are very involved and know each student by name. There are fantastic programs like the Guggenheim partnership the my kids thoroughly enjoyed and loads of after school help.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff are the best!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers there are awesome and the vibe is just great!!
—Submitted by a parent

It's incredibly diverse yet inclusive and welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great community school with tremendous involvement from the whole community. It embodies exactly what I love about living in Brooklyn

There is so much going on at P.S. 9, with an active parent body buzzing with ideas. Parents are heavily involved and their input is welcomed by the Principal, Ms. D"Avilar. I believe that her leadership and responsiveness has been outstanding. My son is excited to go to school every day, and his Kindergarten teacher is fantastic, clearly devoted to the kids. I am amazed at the level of work my son and his classmates have been producing.
—Submitted by a parent

PS9 is becoming more of a diverse school which is exellent. They have a wonderful, caring and warm welcoming staff. your kids are at home there and so are you as the parent.
—Submitted by a parent

Great group of parents and a growing support for our kids attending ps9.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 9 has a devoted PTA and supports an impressive fundraising effort in the community to keep its arts program alive.
—Submitted by a parent