P.S. 84 Jose De Diego

PS 84 makes decisions based on what is best for a child and not what is convenient for a parent or another school. It is disheartening to see how quick one is to judge.
—Submitted by a teacher

I'm disappointed. I had a terrible experience during enrollment process. PS84 wants your kid only if it is a regular kid or ASD Nest kid. It is not as cute as it looks on their school tours.

I am so happy to be teaching at PS 84 and I look forward to working with such great team... a great Principal and assistant Principal, great staff and of course great teachers who make the school a success! I attended PS 84 when it first opened decades ago, and I am very happy to give back to my school and community. I even moved back to Williamsburg and I am so excited to teach at a school that has so much to offer their students... PS 84 prepared me so well and I am very proud my brothers also attended, friends, and they all had much success.... it set the foundation for our future....now I can help my students to become leaders....
—Submitted by a teacher

PS 84 is progressive school moving in a right direction. I am pleased to know a determine, dedicate, and caring principle. She has a version for all her students. Looking forward to another year with PS 84.
—Submitted by a parent

PS84 is a wonderful and thriving school. The community is open and welcome to all. I have two children in the school and they are both thrilled with their teachers. They cry when they are sick and can't go to school. The dual language program has proven to be spectacular. I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful and open principal and staff. Thank you 84!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at PS84 for 3 years, and has had a wonderful academic and social experience. Her reading and math levels are several grades ahead, and she is becoming bi-ingual in Spanish thanks to the dual language immersion program. I urge anyone who wants to become more involved to attend the PTA meetings. I have found the parents to be welcoming and warm. Also, I have seen the Principal work closely with all the kids and parents, and anyone who has had any issues or problems really should go meet with her.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has had bad experience since being this school. There is a community of a chosen few. The are not alot of academics going on especially in the lower grades. I am discourage with the school over all performance. Think twice before putting you child here. Do be fooled
—Submitted by a parent

PS 84 is a great school. The teachers strive to create a caring school community that connects the student's home and academic worlds. One of the highlights of PS 84 is their commitment to student learning in all aspects, including the arts. Through the use of arts, technology and music the teachers create the best learning environment to push their students to higher standards. Through continuous professional development, the teachers view themselves as learners too.

The parents are very supportive and generous with their time. They are available for publishing parties, Fabulous Fridays, volunteering for numerous reasons at the school, attending trips and going above and beyond with projects. Parental involvement is very impressive. Our principal has been instrumental in many of the positive initiatives present in our school. She strives to have all of our students being provided with a positive, nurturing and high-quality learning environment. Our teachers truly care about the well being of every child. They teach with passion, technique and patience to ensure that all students achieve their academic potential. The numerous opportunities available to students such as Art, Hands on Science using FOSS, a rich Social Studies curriculum, Virtual Thinking Strategies, Ballroom dancing, Hockey and many more. The incentives for attendance, the monthly Student of the month assemblies and our many opportunities community gatherings are well attended. We have great collaborations with other organizations from the community and beyond. I'm very happy to have found this great school. It has the perfect balance of structure and love.
—Submitted by a teacher

My two children have been at this school since kindergarten-they are in 1st grade now (yes, twins!). We think the school is wonderful. Both teachers are caring, passionate about education and open to parent involvement. My son's teacher has the children pick Mozart or Coltrane as their after lunch "calm down" music. In 1st grade, they are learning how to write persuasive letters, they are persuading us to get them pets! For the next 10 Wednesdays, they are getting clowning classes! In kindergarten, they went on several field trips. Class sizes are small, they have 17 kids in each of their classes. The school has a computer lab, with enough computers so that each child can sit at his/her own computer.
—Submitted by a parent

When we moved to Williamsburg in 2006 with our 2 year old daughter we were worried about where she would go to Pre-K and above as we did not want to send her out of the neighborhood. We stumbled onto PS 84 which is a 15 minute walk from our apartment and we couldn't be happier. Our daughter is challenged, loves her friends and tells us all the time that she wants to go to PS 84 for the remainder of her elementary school years. Best of all, all the parents are great. Whether they are involved in the school or not. We have made so many wonderful friends to hang out with on the weekends.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the dual-language Spanish program here and loves it. His teacher is full of energy and able to keep the class of 19 rapt. The principal greets the kids when they walk into school each day. In just two years, she has made a ton of smart staffing decisions, increased enrollment, and green-lit countless parent-led programs to improve the school. There is a huge Mac computer lab, a top-notch library, a new fitness room, etc., etc. The school is incredibly diverse. It's like Sesame Street! And it's improving every day. The new parent-created website has some really good videos and program information if people want to learn more: ps84k.org. Word is clearly out, though. When we started, the pre-K wasn't even full. Last year, there were 30+ families on the wait list!
—Submitted by a parent

It is frustrating that this school gets such a low number while other less progressive schools in this district score so high. My daughter goes to pre-k here and her teachers are fantastic. She sees an art, science and gym specialist every week and there are always exciting things happening at the school. New plans include expanding the library, many music and arts projects and a rooftop garden. I continue to be impressed every day with Mrs. Rodriguez (the principal) who understands that a creative environment where kids are excited to learn and happy to be there is so important for success. When you are looking at schools for your child remember it is not just about the numbers on paper. This is a great school and it is only going to get better!
—Submitted by a parent

I graduated from this school in 1998. Some people say college was the beat years of their lives, but here is where I have to say been mines. It was a great school then and I bet it still is. Mr.Gamoka (spelling might be wrong) was the principle at the time.

P.S. 84 is a fantastic school and is constantly improving. The new principal welcomes parent involvement and is bringing great programs to the school. The dual language program is fantastic. The new kindergarten dual language teacher is a phenomenal. The parent involvement has reached new heights and the school will continue to grow and improve.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is so wonderful with the students. From our first day my daughter proclaimed that she loved this school much more than her kindergarten school. As a security person said quite accurately the school is 'a hidden gem'. The dual language program is amazing and I am so thankful we have the opportunity to experience it!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The atmosphere at P.S. 84 is perfect for learning. The teachers and administration work hand in hand, they are truly passionate about their purpose. P.S. 84 has restored my faith in N.Y. public schools. P.S. 84 rocks!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Hello, I have one child at PS 84 and the teachers are great, motivated and very nice to the children. The principal does not like parents involvement and there is no visible educational policy, no gymnastics/sports, no library at all. Parents are very frustrated.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend PS 84 and I couldn't be happier with the education they are receiving. The principal does a great job and encourages parent participation. I am at the school everyday reading to the children, assisting with projects or lending a hand during outside play.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, i love it, but , kids should be wearing uniforms,, .. i love the teachers,,, the participation the they all have in our kids life...
—Submitted by a parent