St. Mark's Day School

St. Mark's gave me the fantastic foundation on which I have built my life and I am forever grateful! I was a student there in grades K-4 in the late 1980s until my family moved to upstate NY and was devastated when I had to leave this great school. Despite my departure, I took away many cherished memories and close friendships which started at the age of 4 that have remained to this day! The teaching staff provided an encouraging yet firm learning environment, everyone knew one another and I know that the values and behavior which were expected of us in school have had a significant influence on my personal and professional conduct in life. I have been living in Europe for the past 10 years, graduating from university in the UK with an MA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations and I know that it was St Mark's that played in HUGE part in shaping me into the confident, intelligent young woman that I am today. I hope that when I have children, I will be able to find a school as great as St. Mark's to give them the kind of educational head-start that I was given.

I have been calling this school for a month trying to get correct information regarding registration processes. I have spoken to 3 different people who have given me 3 different registration procedures. Then when I did speak with Ms. Fleming she was rude and short with me because I guess i had too many questions.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has done a poor job of preparing our children. No school should cause emotional stress for any child. Shame on you for collecting tuition but no caring enough to offer programs for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I began my school life with St. Mark's when they first opened their doors in 1977/78 and I felt that it was the perfect place to start my daughter and son. The school provides a great foundation through their early childhood program, with computers and hands on science and foreign language (Spanish). The elementary and middle school components intergrate Spanish AND French.along with the fundamentals of Math, ELA, Computer & Music . . .Oh La la! My son is excited to go back every year!!! They Instruct & They Care! Last year we hired a new principal and the expectation levels have risen and trust me, we can compete with the neighborhood public schools!!! Watch Out!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended the preschool and had difficulty adjusting; the teachers gave us no meaningful feedback or suggestions throughout the semester to alleviate the issues. At the end of the semester, they presented us with a poor report card, alleging complaints that were never expressed previously. I have since had my my son evaluated for special needs. The problem with St. Marks is that the teachers never expressed serious concerns over his behavior or learning capacity and never suggested having him evaluated. In fact, they were going to allow him to to enter the kindergarten class knowing issues existed. I do not think this is in the best interest of any child.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children graduated from St. Mark's Day School in the '90s and now, my 12 yr old granddaughter attends the school. I enrolled her because I was secure in the knowledge that she would get a superior education as opposed to public school. More importantly is this is a religious school in the Anglican tradition, a tradition that I, and my children were raised up in. Although the school is competitive educationally, the reinforcement of this tradition and the dedication of the faculty and staff makes St. Mark's Day School a unique gem in the NY school system. Many parents feel that since they pay a tuition, they don't have to be as 'involved' as public schools. However, you get back what you put in. If you value your child's education and spiritual enrichment, St. Mark's Day School is an excellent choice.
—Submitted by a parent

I will have to agree with some of the parents comments listed below. At first, I was a bit concern with the extracurricular activities. Remarkably, the education their was something irresistible, I saw great improvement in my child's behavior and education. With the outstanding efforts from some of the teachers, to name a few, Ms. Humphrey, Ms.Daniels and not forgetting Ms.Forbes, the vice principal, such a wonderful and approachable woman. Unfortunately, we relocated and I'm not quite convinced about the academic approach that I see in the school system out here. So, I'm really contemplating about taking her back. Keep up the good work St.Marks.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had 2 children at St. Mark's since 2005. My son has graduated and is will be a senior in high school this September. My daughter still attends St. Mark's and will be in the 5th grade this September. She will continue to attend St. Mark's until she is ready for high school or until I cannot afford it anymore. Both my children have received an excellent education at St. Mark's. My daughter is learning two languages, French and Spanish. Can there be more extra-curricular activities, yes. But I'm not that concerned about that. As her parent I ensure she 's well grounded. I am concerned about her receiving an up-standing education and at St. Mark's she is receiving that. More parents should volunteer their time and resources to aid Dr. Macatee (who's doing an excellent job) and the staff in keeping St. Mark's the excellent school I believe it
—Submitted by a parent

My Son has been a student at St Marks since the 2nd Grade. We had a supper experience both academically and spritualy. He is now moving on to High School and was awarded a few Scholarships to local schools as well as out of State institutions. I tuely believe that sending him to St. Marks was the best decision that I ever made. The staff and teachers are wonderful and careing. Administration works with the parents and students to make sure they succeed. I would have liked more extra-curricular activities but that was limited to schools physical space constraints, however I was happy to scrifice that to have had the quality education that my son received.
—Submitted by a parent

The lower school is outstanding. I've noticed as my daughter approached the last 3 months of 2nd grade she received little or no homework. I reluctantly reregistered her for 3rd grade.If this continues, I will definitely try to find a new school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started in preschool and just completed kindergarten. With their limited resources, I think they provided my son with a great foundation to build upon. If the school could find more funding to upgrade its already more serviceable programs, i see no reason why this school couldnt be one of the best in brooklyn. Everything that was promised my son would be exposed to and learn he did. If you want your child to get a solid foundation i reading and writing, i strongly suggest you consider st. marks.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended st Marks in nursery....However , since the principal left the school has taken a nose dive. there seems to be no sense of direction. think again parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to St. Mark's Day School. We are a close society and we love each other alot. We work together and have a strong PTA. We have great classes that you would love to hear about including Spanish and French. We also have a loving principal that everyone loves. You would love St. Marks'.
—Submitted by a student

My child started attending this school in nursery. I must say the lower school is excellent. but the big school grades 1-8 is horrible. There is no communitcation between parent and teacher. Since the principal left the school now has NO vision. My daughter was in the 4th grade last year, she got no homework, no spelling words, nothing. The math skills there were teaching her were that from the Carribean. Sorry to say that my daughter will now be attending 5th grade at another school. Bottom line ...this school is not worth the money.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is in no way worth the money that is paid for it. My son has been in the school since pre-k and there has always been a problem with communication with the teachers. Just today I basically had a teacher tell me that I had a problem in my home, somthing of which she is unaware of the circumstances and which is untrue. The school is essentially operating on its legacy. I would not recommend spending money to send your child to this school. There are plenty of other schools who will take your money and offer you at a minimum: proper communication about your child.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attending this school for exactly 3 months before I withdrew him. He is a special needs child however, his academics were excellent, but they did not know how to deal with him. I would not recommend taking your kid there.
—Submitted by a parent

4 stars out of 5 I rate St. Mark's 4 out of five because of the following reasons: I was a parent and successful teacher at your school for over seven years. My two children, Allysa and Rondell did receive a solid, remarkable, awesome and workable educational background from K-6. The environment was conducive and there was results. Each child is referred to as 'An Academic Achiever With A Plus - A Big Difference.' Rondell obtained his Bachelor's degree with honors from St. John's University, Jamaica, Queens and Allysa is a 'high- flyer' in the 10th Grade at Edward Murrow High School, Brooklyn. To the principal, staff and teachers of St. Mark's Day School, I say, Thank you, thank you! St. Mark's teachers, thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids were @ St Mark. My Oldest, until kindergarten because we had to relocate. It there is on thing that I missed in New York,is definitely St Mark day school. Academically She did very well due school curriculum and teachers. First grade was just a review for her. If St Mark Day School could also be in Atlanta..........
—Submitted by Myriame Dieudonne, a parent

St. Mark's Day School is a 'throwback' school in it's enforcement of traditional values and discipline. However, it is also a 'progressive' school in that it continuously seeks out contemporary teaching disciplines and assessments to better educate its students. I am the product of a similar parochial education, and was (and remain) enthused at the creation of this school. I sent my children (now grown)to St. Mark's and now send my grandchild (4th grade), confident that they benefit from its challenging curriculum. Such curriculum demands a significant commitment from parent as well as student. In the past 2 years, I have heard grumblings from unhappy parents. I find these parents are unfamiliar with the requirements/challenges affiliated with a parochial school. From Pre-Nursery to 8th grade, St. Mark's provides an educational and religious foundation that will benefit any child who's parents' are dedicated to it's mission. To me, St. Mark's Rules!
—Submitted by Joanne Kelly, a parent

St. Marks is a wonderful school my sister and brother and I have a total of 7 children attending this great institution. One of my son graduated last year and is currently a freshamn at Bishop Ford enrolled in Math B with Junior, Sophomore & Senior. I thank St. Mark for giving him this foundation. My other son is in 4th grade and I am very much please. I am an involved parent in my child life and have taken steps to get involved and know my teachers and let them know that if my child has a problem with homework or any disciplinary issues to not hesitate and contact me. I think Father D& Mr Smith are doing an excellent jobs. Great job with prep for specialized HS and Boarding HS and prep for exams. I
—Submitted by Donna Broomfield-Tyndale, a parent