P.S. 209 Margaret Mead

real bad teachers, they don't know how to teach kids. Teachers are not capable to teach kids properly.
—Submitted by a parent

Worse school whenever .7th grade student did it addition like on the first grade (6+4, -3+(6)) on the math classes.I need to pay tutor to my son can to know math, English and other.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great. Communication from teachers is fine. Staff is Ok . School is relatively safe with minor exceptions during the lunch period when kids are not watched by class teachers. Curriculum is not challenging enough for good students and there not enough help for the students who need extra help. Principal has own agenda and not interested in parents concerns or in kids . Staff afraid of principal. Full last school year schoolyard and auditorium were under construction and not available for kids to use it. Hopefully construction is over. PTA is trying hard to involve parents but not very successful.
—Submitted by a parent

school is wonderful and students are great. the special education program is run to perfection. i love all the teachers in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a pre-K teacher at P.S. 209, I'd like to respond to the post of 3/10. In addition to having a website set up for the parents, every parent has my e-mail address. I send home a monthly calendar detailing what we are working on. I welcome communication! I'm sorry if you feel that P.S. 209 Pre-K was just day care. I assure you that we follow an age-appropriate early childhood curriculum. And , yes, at this age, much of children's learning does come from play and exploration. I would be happy to provide you with research and documentation that supports this theory. The curriculum addresses all the standards, including social. This includes skills like learning to separate from adults, working with others, taking turns, cooperating, sharing, following rules, and generally learning to become a civilized, responsible member of society . Pre-k sets the foundation for successful learning in later grades.
—Submitted by a teacher

As a pre-k teacher in P.S. 209 I am upset to read a post by a dissatisfied parent. Preschool teachers have the dual job of continuing to stimulate social growth (and let kids be kids), while also preparing them academically for what they will face in kindergarten. That being said our curriculum consists of pre-reading, math and writing skills as well as creating consistant, meaningful routines. We try to create a warm loving environment in which children feel safe and enjoy their first experience in school and yes, -this does mean they have 'play time.' I cannot respond in depth about how much they learn from play, but any research on the topic would yield hundreds of positive responses. Lastly, we see parents every day at dismissal and, and are more than happy to accomodate those who work....all you have to do is contact us!
—Submitted by a teacher

Cannot say much as my kid went to just pre-K there. There was absolutely NO feedback from the teachers on how m child was doing. I received nothing via mail, backpack or any other means from school. Compared to my friends preschoolers pre-K at PS 209 was nothing more then a day care - kids were just playing most of the day (which is not bad), but I wanted some initial studying.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a wonderful learning environment. Both my sons are attending, 4th grade and Kindergarten. The teachers are dedicated and caring and all work together to help the children evolve. The one aspect that is missing and this is most probably due to budgetary constraints are more extended, art, music and sports programs which would benefit the children tremendously. I am very happy with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is great, the treachers are excellent, but the principal is deaf to the problems the parents might have. She would not go over 'her school policy' in order to accomodate the needs of a particular parent, even though this might affect a child's performance, not to talk about the parent's sanity.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the teachers in this school are fantastic. They're really caring and devoted.

My daughter has been going to P.S.209 for three years. she is now in first grade. She is writing and reading very well. She knows math beyond the basic facts. She has two teachers in her class. She loves them very much. Her teacher are lovely and dedicated.She comes back from school with great stories, and most of all she says she is happy at the school. One of her pre school teachers is still watching her while she is eating at the cafeteria. I felt like I am in great and safe place three years ago and I've been feeling the same from that day on.
—Submitted by a parent

Strong leadership from the principal transcends to all the staff and students. Great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a dedicated, hard working group of teachers and staff. Children are encouraged to learn and grow. Strenghts, as well as areas of opportunity are identified and cultivated.
—Submitted by a parent