Mark Twain is 239 for the Gifted and Talented

Seven years after graduating from Mark Twain, I look back and shudder at how traumatizing my experience was. The level of intelligence comes from the kids. Most of the teachers don't know how to teach. I left this school, (more like ran out of this school), with absolutely no self-esteem, depressed and lost. They don't teach you how to be a person in there which is something schools need. Spare your kids. If you want them to be in a socially appropriate environment, send them somewhere else. It's one thing to send your kids to the "best" schools, but it's another to keep them mentally intact. The bullying is out of this world. It's based not only on looks, but on the level of talent and one's intelligence. These were the worst 3 years of my life and these are somewhat critical years in a child's development. Do not send your children to Mark Twain.

This is a great school. I am really happy to be in Mark Twian. It has so much to offer. Each talent does something special. Also, to let you try new things we have enrichment classes! Although it may sometimes be challenging we also have tutoring during lunch. It's very comfortable in general and the teachers make sure everyone understands everything.

My sixth grader knew there would be serious concentration on her talent area, and that if she didn't get in as a drama "talent" she couldn't do drama, so she worked her audition piece and went to the tryout and got in. She is thrilled with everything about the school, and I have been impressed by the academic rigor, though I don't think they are overloaded with homework. It seems the student population is generally bright and driven. If it weren't so far away (in the heart of Coney Island), it would be awesome. It's still a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I hate this school. You are classified by your talent and don't get to do any other extra curricular activities other than your talent. You can't be apart of the school newspaper unless you are in creative writing talent is one example. I came into that school thinking you would have many opportunities but you don't. You are dividing by clusters within your grade and can't hang around with other people in other clusters. You really don't hang around much with the people that are in your cluster expect for mainly your homeroom. Every cluster has different teachers that teach different things and at different rates so not all kids are getting the same education. The new principal isn't as fun as the old one. Unless your kid is willing to devote only to their talent and not meet many new people so be it and let them go to mark twain. They put on a act like they are the best school but behind closed doors the kids are bad and get put on lock down. You don't get much physical activity unless you are in athletics talent. You only have gym one a week for only two periods unlike the mandatory three and don't get to go outside for lunch. I wish I could rate them a ZERO.

This is a great school. The only complain I have is that there is no locker in school. My kid has to carry a 18+ lbs school bag all day long. It would be a big plus if they can install lockers for the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

As having recently graduated from the school, I can say that it is an amazing place with so much to offer. Our academics are top notch. We also have variety, having not only academic talents but also a strong performing arts area. Here the teachers are always welcoming and our principal cares so much about the school. It really is a great school.

Almost every day my son comes home from school and tells me what he did in science talent class. He never used to tell me things about elementary school! He's learning a lot at Twain and he's being engaged and challenged by the material. One of his teachers said to me "call me any time, that's what I'm here for." My son says the principal regularly walks the halls and pops in on classes. The only thing I don't like is that they never go outside. Overall, I'm very impressed with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

THIS IS A WONDERFUL SCHOOL. AWSOME ACADEMICS, THE STAFF IS OUTSTANDING!!! VERY APPROACHABLE. ALWAYS KIND WORDS AND VERY HELPFUL. SO MUCH TO OFFER CHILDREN IN EVERY TALENT. I LOVE IT! MS. MOORE IS OUTSTANDING
--Submitted by a parent

My child goes there and she loves it! She had to choose between IS 187, another good school (but not as good as this school) and Mark Twain and she chose this school. She doesn't regret this decision at all and I agree with her.
--Submitted by a parent

I love mark twain because the teachers really care about their students and the principal mrs moore makes sure all children are happy and safe...
--Submitted by a parent