P.S. 102 the Bayview

I have no idea why this school gets high marks. There is a very particular group of parents that PS102 works for, but very many for whom it doesn't. There is a growing group of parents of special education students who have a particularly hard time--though even the general ed and honors classes are lacking. There are a few truly golden teachers, but overall, this school feels like nothing has changed in education since the 1970s. The approach is anything but forward thinking, and the staff and administration do not reflect the diversity of the student population at all (and it shows in the "us vs. them" attitude. Sorry, but after 2+ years I'd rather leave the neighborhood than continue sending my kids here. The experience is killing everything that they (and I) loved about education.
—Submitted by a parent

Good School, wish there was more interaction between the parents and teachers. Not a big fan of the PTA very Clicky. Some really excellent teachers that go out of their way to help a child get up to speed. Wish the school went up to 8th grade. K to 5th. My son likes the school and the fact there are a lot of teachers to help him with his motor skills. They need to crack down on children coming in from other parts of Brooklyn and pretending they live in Bay Ridge, they need to be more strict when it comes to registration, school is over crowded and kids can not get all the education they need. Children come home with lots of homework.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been going to PS 102 for almost 6 years. I am in fifth grade all these years i've had really nice teachers but this year i'm in a small class and it really helps. Some day in October we are going to the Staten Island Zoo . this year there are no bullys in the class. I love fifth grade. Tanis Mackenzie Lepore

My son likes this school and I think his Kindergarten teacher is excellent in many ways, expertly handling a class of 25 students. Of course, this ratio is far too large; alas, this is public school. My son's reading and mathematic ability has grown leaps and bounds since the beginning of the year. I do wish PTA meetings were more inclusive (i.e. scheduling evening meetings more frequently), as I know many working parents want to be more involved. The school would do well to harness the diversity within its student body and support more cultural learning opportunities. In all, I am pleased and think this school has tremendous potential.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started Kindergarten this year, and I must say that we are extremely impressed and pleased with the environment, attention, and thoughtful care he is receiving from all of his teachers. Ms. Lupia and Mrs. Bromberg have been extremely attentive to his needs and continually seek to keep him engaged and stimulated at school. He talks about how much he loves Ms. Meeling, and we are very grateful for the promotion of the arts at this school. It is a very positive sign that my son skips happily to school each morning, and the teachers have done an excellent job with supporting him through this important transition into Kindergarten. He has respect and real adoration for his teachers, and considering the fact that there are so many children to attend to, I find it very telling that my son feels that his teachers know him and care about him as an individual. In our parent-teacher conference, I was impressed by how attuned they were to our son's particular way of thinking and working. They are intelligent, and they both have a generous spirit. It takes a big heart to teach in this disciplined yet loving way.P. S. 102 is a safe and nurturing school, and I recommend it very highly.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at PS 102 -- a 5th grader & a 3rd grader. I can honestly say - that while I still have issues about snack sales at lunch and the lack of free-play recess during the day - my children are strong students and have had really wonderful teachers during their time at PS 102. There is definitely a committment to the arts and arts educaton. The music and art teachers are fantastic. The parent coordinator is a real gem. Parent volunteerism has increased and parents can be involved ..... but you have to create or seek out the opportunities and get involved. It would be nice if PTA meetings had better attendance and if there were new/more volunteers at PTA events. But, most importantly, my kids really like going to school and that's the real measure.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with PS102 and the education my child is receiving there, I feel his teachers are caring and go the extra mile, the principal is great, hard working, very visible, I'd recommend this school very highly.
—Submitted by a parent

I heard great things abt this school so i moved to Bay Ridge b/c ii wanted my child to attend this school i was greatly disappointed. My child didnt not get into heart share after school program even thou i am a singler parent with a low income. I was also upset that she went on absolutely no class trips but yet all year long i was donating time and money to numerous school fund raisers...where does the money go? let see how this year goes...
—Submitted by a parent

So far I've had nothing but positive reinforcement to my child. My son is in his first year at this school (Kindergarten) and he's already been recognized for perfect attendance and now the Reader of the Month. I absolutely love the Delta Program at P.S. 102. It is such a positive and motivating environment for the children. All cultures are celebrated at this school. When my son enters the school he gets a big hello from the Asst. Principal who know his name and is very friendly always. My son loves his teacher and she is both approachable and informative. The music program is first rate. Mrs. Meeling is wonderful and my son talks about her all the time. I would recommend this school to anyone. I could go on....
—Submitted by a parent

This is my first year having one of my children attend p.s. 102. My little one is in Kindergarten and while agree that it's a tightly run ship it seems that they are not parent-friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

Two years in, starting our third, and we feel that there are some fundamental changes that need to be made at PS102. First, for the positive: we feel that our child is receiving a good basic academic education. The school environment is safe, and the teachers we've encountered are caring, if perhaps overburdened by the micro-guidance of the the principal. Which brings me to what I consider to be the root of the problem. Our principal, Theresa Dovi, while I'm sure well-meaning, appears to be a technocrat. She is guided by test scores, and doesn't appear to be too concerned with the overall well-rounded student, much less well-rounded child. The big issues, are a) lack of transparency with the parents, b) lack of recess or 'down-time' for the students, c) one main building that is unbearably hot, and d) an overabundance of fund-raising. I'd grade the school a B- to C+
—Submitted by a parent

The environment might be safe for the children's physical being, but their emotional needs are grossly neglected. Some teachers yell a lot and the principle does not seem to mind. Parent and teacher interaction is not encouraged, just the opposite. I am seriously considering removing my children from this school.
—Submitted by a teacher

I moved to brooklyn so my son can go to p.S.102. I love the school and so does my son. I have family and friends that went to p.S.102 And they say 'it's a great school.' I agree 110%.
—Submitted by Rebecca McCartney, a parent