P.S. 32 Samuels Mills Sprole

My daughter is in the first year of the Gifted and Talented program at PS32, and it has had a wonderful experience socially and academically. This is a school with a passionately devoted, thoughtful and ambitious set of administrators and teachers who are always, always finding ways to enrich and supplement the prescribed citywide curricula. As others have commented, the art and music teachers are superlative and well-supported. What the PTA lacks in funds, the school (working with parents) has been able to make up for by aggressively seeking and winning grants. The beautiful book and iMac filled new library was completed with a half million dollar grant and the devotion of the amazing librarian. My daughter has been sampling lettuce grown in the school's gardens (another grant) and will be growing things in the new greenhouse next year. This is a small, intimate school that parents should look at very closely.
--Submitted by a parent

PS 32 is a warm, nurturing, happy place. The children here are incredibly kind. We transferred here from another school and can't believe the difference. We have a happy, motivated son again. No teasing, bullying, cliques or fighting. It's kind of unbelievable. Also, the music program is excellent. My son learned how to play the piano without us ever having to pay for lessons. We finally got him a keyboard for his birthday and were thrilled when he sat down and could read and play music. This is a true "whole child" approach to education. Three thumbs up!!
--Submitted by a parent

Our teachers are amazing. Mr. Dave, for instance, the art teacher treats every kid like a star and cultivates their talents. He gives his all to his students, inspires them with great projects and a lot of devoted attention, and works with their strengths to make them all feel good about themselves. Right now he and the science teacher, Ms. Ellerbee, who is also fantastic, are about to unveil a huge project: a ceiling mural in the science room with 3 dimensional hangings (huge painted paper mache plants) representing the solar system. The teachers have collaborated on this with the kids for a few months. It's going to be amazing! (or should I say, out of this world?). This is but one example of the great things happening at PS32.
--Submitted by a parent

It seems that the parent who said that the school needs to be revamped should look into some spelling classes. I completely disagree with his/her opinion. This school has been a blessing. My son has improved greatly in all of his subjects. All teachers are attentive and make teaching fun and enjoyable enough that he is able to focus and learn without feeling it as a burden. And the incentive program of the "dollars" is great. My son saves his in order to get a larger item at the school store. I give PS32K 5 stars.
--Submitted by a parent

This school continues to impress me. I have two children in this school and they both have small class sizes with at least two teachers in the classroom at all times. In this environment, each child gets the special attention they need to get their skills to grade level or, for the children that already excel at certain skills (reading, math), the ability to continue to grow at their own pace. My children are continually excited about their science teacher as well as art, music and gym. The library teacher is a favorite as well. The library has received many grants over the last year to renovate, add books to its collection and I believe it has just gotten a grant for new computers as well. Every day at drop off or pick up my children are greeted by multiple staff making me feel like it is a small, loving community.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son's K teachers were outstanding, as were most of the other teachers he had classes with, such as science, music and art. The teachers go out of their ways to enrich the kids lives. On the negative side, the cafeteria is extremely noisy, which is a problem for a lot of the littler kids. The PTA meetings are a bit of a joke, held in the cafeteria while the principal yells at the parents over the noise and parent participation consists of raising hands to vote on club moneys, etc. The K art classes were crammed together into one session so I doubt the kids had any interaction with the teacher except for him giving them materials, etc. But this is a small, community school that is trying hard to provide a high-quality learning experience for the kids, and succeeding in many ways.
--Submitted by a parent

When I first walked into this school, they were very welcoming. I instantly felt comfortable. I am very happy that my son was placed in this school. The teachers, office staff, therapists and counselors have shown me what a great support group my son has. I am regularly informed of how my son is progressing. I am notified of any and all mishaps. I have had regular meeting throughout the year about my son and all of his therapists, teachers, etc. have attended these meetings. I truly feel that they are there to help my son with his academic and social success.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is turning out to be the best choice for the entire family.. The faculty is approachable, my child is in love with everything they teach him. They try to accommodate special concerns parents might have about their child's progress. And every one is genuinely invested with the students learning, well being and growth. This an undiscovered gem. My son loves to go to school everyday and has request for the weekend. This is great if your looking for small community school with big hearts where teachers know all the children and they want to know more.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the best that happened for our family. When your surrounded by schools that are good through word of mouth it's just not enough. This school delivers. It has warmth, compassion, compromise and a real understanding for their kids and their parents. This school is a very quite beautiful gem. And with the different thing there starting to do its going to be spectacular. This school is defenately on the move to be one of the best in district 15
--Submitted by a parent

This school is incredible. I have one child in Private school and one here and the difference is amazing. The emotional and educational support each child receives is top notch. My child reads 30 minutes a night and enjoys going to school. Mrs Florio is a great leader who makes herself accesible to both parent and student.
--Submitted by a parent