P.S. 107 John W Kimball

As a parent of 2 children attending PS107, I have been pleased with the quality of the curriculum, generally open dialogue between the school administration and parents and the focus to improve the childrens' learning experience. Following the change in leadership last year, I would say the transition has been seamless and the selection process which involved the PTA was a key driver in finding the right people. Teacher quality has been satisfactory although I would say is inconsistent across grade levels. I think the caliber of the 1st grade teachers and curriculum can be improved after witnessing my eldest child complete 2nd grade. But overall, I think the parent involvement and collaboration is ultimately what gives PS107 the high marks I have ascribed.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was new to the school last year for the 2nd grade, he loves the school. The PTA can be a bit much but they do a lot for the school, they seem to control the administration. I still feel even with that issue its a wonderful school where I have seen my son grow intellectually, something I think we wouldn't had gotten at his last school.
—Submitted by a parent

Those considering sending their children to PS107 should be aware that all grades will be facing very large class sizes in the coming years. There are already 30 children in third grade classes this year and next year, this will happen to first grade due to the addition of another Kindergarten class this year. Since a lot of young families have moved into this school zone in recent years, the trend is expected to worsen with waitlists for zoned children and more crowded classrooms. The DOE s priority seems to be to get the kids into their zoned school regardless of class size or facilities. They will ask the principal to give up the science lab, computer room and possibly the lovely new art/library space to create more classrooms. This would be such a shame and a devastating loss, given all the efforts put in by parents and the outgoing administration.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is run by the parents (and trust me when I say, they aren't the kind and accepting folks you would want directing your child's development). Everybody knows everyone's business and they aren't afraid to share it over coffee. I wish it could always be a "good" thing that parents are involved. The parents at PS 107 are often controlling, over-bearing, elitist and intolerant (at least those that have enough time on their hands to live in the school as they seem to do). I understand that the administration will be completely new in 2011--I hope it has the ability to embrace the qualities of leadership and common sense that have been so very absent in the the past. If your child has any kind of special needs at all--please consider any other school. The Special Education Department is hopeless when it comes to knowing what to do to help any child in need. My son's IEP contained so many errors and PS 107 made their best effort to make me feel like it was either something they could not fix (spelling) or my fault (wanting his accommodations clearly stated on the IEP). This is just unacceptable. Obviously everyone will have a different experience. Good luck.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, incredible administration and very high parent involvement make this in my opinion one of the best schools in Brooklyn. My son had attend another PS in Brooklyn and this school is light years ahead the school he came from. I know of parents who have taken their kids out of private school to send them to PS 107. Kudos to the teachers and the PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

P.S. 107 is located in a nice, residential area of Park Slope that is very children friendly. The school allows students to learn at different speeds and to excel in different areas, from academics, to music, to sports. The playgrounds in the school courtyards are ample by New York standards and allows the kids to get exercise while having fun running around with their peers. It has been written that the human brain can absorb more information after a good workout than not having worked out.. Keep that in mind when assessing which public schools your child should attend.

My son is a second grader at 107, he has had 2 great teachers out of 3 which is a good ratio. The PTA is one of the strongest I've seen. The principal is good, accessible, authentic but leaving. Their after school program has wonderful programming such as cooking, caporeria, rugby and chess. The community is not that welcoming, a little closed until they get to know you. My biggest critique is that you would never know that this school is in NYC no doubt in brooklyn. The diversity racially, economically, even working parents v.s. nonworking is minimal at best, and it doesn't seem that it is an issue for the school at large.
—Submitted by a parent

Great principal and great teachers who really care about their students and take time listen to parents and students alike. Excellent after school program. Parent involvement is extremely high. My son loves going to school every day. I couldn't ask for more than that.
—Submitted by a parent

after attending 1 private and 2 other nyc public schools, ps 107 wins hands down!
—Submitted by a parent

Having experienced a few other public schools with my son, now a 3rd grader, I can truly appreciate just how fantastic 107 is. Everybody at this school takes pride in their involvement From the principal to the lovely ladies in the lunchroom. The kids are hungry, the teachers fantastic and the PTA great. I'm a non-joiner and I've found myself willingly involved in everything from building an edible garden to helping teach the math superstars program. KUDOS PS 107.
—Submitted by a parent

Having just surpassed top area schools in both NYC test scores and school rating this award winning school has made lightning speed improvements to shoot to the top of the heap. The after school program is impressive as is the extra weekend activities focusing on architecture and math.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 107 exceeds our expectations. The positive energy of the enthusiastic teachers and administrative staff is palatable. The afterschool enrichment program is wonderful. My son is challenged both academically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent

I have be very disappointed with this school. I have two children in 107 and I find the teachers and administration only care about the students that are failing courses and not at all about the children that are doing well and need extra time and programs. The communication between teacher and parents are minimal. Most of the homework is geared towards prepping them for the statewide tests and not towards their potential as a student.The two positives are the PTA and I really liked the building itself, it is very bright and pretty.
—Submitted by a parent

Very dynamic principal and actively involved PTA. Great expectations for this school in the very near future. Will have access to great funding very soon and the political establishment is behind what we're doing here! PTA working fast and furiously to enhance after school enrichment. Class sizes coming down and teacher development is top notch for a public school. Many kids have transferred here from private schools in the area. We are a magnet school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is making consistent, measurable improvements to curricula, strategic planning (comprehensive education plan), and parent involvement. Students, by and large, receive solid instruction from teaching staff that has above average teaching experience and skill. For the past 3 years, technology and math (especially creative problem solving) has been of particular focus. The student body appears to be highly inquisitive, respectful, and is reflective of the surrounding neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent