P.S. 20 Clinton Hill

P.S. 20 is certainly among the most competitive elementary schools in district 13. The school has done an exceptional job at navigating through a tough transition period that was exacerbated by city wide budget cuts, and the principal (Mrs. Barbera) has managed to establish an environment that blends the open/creative approach that characterized her tenure as AP at P.S. 261 with the rigorous curriculum approach that once made P.S. 20 the talk of the playground... Not only that, but it's incredibly hard to find an elementary school in this district that is this intimate AND open to all students in the district. Definitely a stellar school with a lot going on and a lot for parents to keep an eye on...
—Submitted by a parent

i love p.s 20 clinton hill they did wonders for my daughter they helped get her self esteem back
—Submitted by a parent

What's striking about PS 20 is how much is going on there. Everyday my 5-year old comes home excited about school, often talking about a new and unexpected experience -- whether it's an art project, a poetry book, a piano class, or a new French word. All this combined with engaged, experienced teachers dedicated to the students has made for a fulfilling year. In kindergarten, many of the kids in my son's class are already reading and doing basic math. There is also a solid and active PTA, with a lively, new principal (Lena Barbera) working to bring exciting programs to the school including a horticulture program called PS 20 farms, and a science partnership with Brooklyn College. This school impresses on many levels.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in PreK and we are delighted. She is learning piano and French, and every day is filled with art and other tactile learning centers. The class is wonderfully diverse and the parents are engaged. The PTA is incredibly committed and hard working. Ms. Barbera, the acting principal, has raised large sums for important projects like a new school yard and auditorium in a bleak economic environment. Mark my words: you will be hearing about PS 20 as the next "hot" school in the coming years.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter gradauted from P.S. 20 and I was very pleased with the school. Teachers were always willing to work with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is small community school; where most parent and child interact with one another. Currently we are struggling to stay open due to other global interest and powers that be that will like to take over the whole school. This school is in the historical district of fort greene brooklyn and a gem of 366 students whom attend these four walls they all call a second home with its well diverse community!
—Submitted by a parent

P.S. 20 is a great, small neighborhood school that needs funding help! The PTA has pulled together to pay for an art teacher to insure that the kids get exposed to a wide variety of learning techniques.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends this school and it is in a beautiful neighborhood. I do think that their is great potential for this school to excel if they take the proper measures. Some of the things I have experienced was that the teachers do not allow the parents to participate (reading to the class or helping academically), the children are not properly disciplined because the behavor of the children is not good at all, and the teacher does not send the tests home to allow the parents to see their childs progress due to 'paper shortage' or 'parents not returning the tests'... From what I understand is that the principal is new this year so maybe next year the parents can be more informed academically and have more opportunities to volunteer in their childs learning. In addition, the weekly homework sheets need a 360 improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaughter attends this school, and my daughter has had a trying school year with my granddaugher's new learned bad behavior. I have noticed her teacher's lack of interest and short patience with the concerns that we have. My granddaughter complains that she is ignored by her teacher when help is needed in the classroom. The guidance counselor acts more like a dean than offering academic or social guidance to students who shows a need for these services, and she is unprofessional in her role as such. Homework is not checked on a daily basis by the teacher which my granddaughter thinks she can skip doing it. The lunchroom is chaotic with children running all over the room while supposedly lunch staff sits and chat among themselves. Above all, the principal is provoking and retaliative, and he uses his power thru DOE resources against parents for his personal gains when challenged.
—Submitted by a parent

I live in this neighborhood and can appreciate everyone involved at this school. My son is in the first grade and sometimes he can be a handfull, but the administration and staff always greet my family with a smile. Everyone knows him and addresses him by his first and last name. The Principal is doing a great job and the curriculum challenges the students to push themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

My Daughter has only been a student since September 4, 2007. However, I am impressed by her teacher, the curriculum, mandatory uniforms and the excellent music program. The Parent Coordinator is informative and personable, as well as the Principal. The overall atmosphere feels condusive to learning. My husband and I have recently joined the PTA and we look forward to being extremely involved parents. Although I will admit there are some things I would like to see changed, such as the lack of a regular Language Arts program and computer access for Kindergarteners. I don't like the idea that you can not accompany your child to his or her classroom even five year olds. Too much running by older students in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone who has a child in this school should run far, far away from it and take their child elsewhere!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the principal is a good principal he cares about the students and his staff. since he took over the school scores have gone up , and he works very close with the parents, he knowns all his students and parents, he works well with his pta ,staff. As a parent of a student that just graduate and parents of 4 students that went to ps20, I find it a excellent school, parents need to be involve with the school and also be involve with their child's teacher at all times. parent involement is very inportant, join the pta ,and volunteer.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended the school from 1st grade and is graduating in June. I think the school did an excellent enough job. We as parents cannot leave everything up to the school, we have to put forward an effort and be concern about our children's education. Not leave it up to the school to do everything. I think if you show enough concern about your children's education and well being you as a parent would be involved in every aspect of the school. I also think that the school does not get the accolades it deserves.
—Submitted by a parent

The four months that my child attended PS 20 in 2000 set a great foundation for him. The curriculum was very well organized and provided a great deal of structure that I wish his later schools offered. He learned to read and add single digits during those four months. We move often (military family) so I can tell you that there are many schools that receive accolades but do not deserve them. PS 20 deserves accolades but doesn't get them. This is an inner city school with a diverse student population. Look at the reality of what the children and teachers face limited resources and limited parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My 8 yr old has now completed 2nd grade at PS 20, and will be transfered to another school. The teachers are friendly enough, but most are difficient in proper english speaking skills. Since attending PS 20, I am constantly correcting my daughter's grammar... and her classmates are no better! Also, my daughter is always on the offensive. A simple conversation or tale is told in the most aggressive manner that the classroom environment seems to exude. From school visits and trips I've noted that most teachers lack enthusiasm for the daily routine. Sure it's a job, but they make it seem tedious with sulky faces and irritable voices. It isn't all terrible though. The principal seems to want to make a difference and is sincerely trying to turn things around. But I think he'll have some trying times ahead. As a whole, the school suffers from lack of parent involvement, and extracirricular activities. And, there's no way in hell I'm admitting my 6 yr old into the 1st grade program. The environment will ruin her.
—Submitted by a parent

No well maybe it is now but I used to attend that school from 1990-1997 and that was the best school that I attended, so what if the cafe is small and a little dirty, but the education is more important and from my experience, I learned a lot from this school. Just keep your children involved in the academics and activities P.S.20 has to offer. If I made it out of there 9 years ago, then your children can too. For example I am in college and it is all thanks to the eduaction of P.S.20 in Brooklyn. So you might want to rethink that over.
—Submitted by a former student

This is the worst school in the whole world. The staff has no supervison over the childern at lunch and the cafe is so dirty. Drop off and dismissal is unorganized and there is no school programs for kids to participate in.
—Submitted by a parent