P.S. 98 the Douglaston School

The faculty and principal and other staff members (school secreatary and teacher aides) are always dedicated to the children. The principal shows such caring and interest in all the strudents. The school has a new computer lab that is combined with science. It creates a wonderful learning atmosphere. There should be more gym however. It seems some classes get more music than gym or art. As stated in a previous comment, there should be more gym than music.
--Submitted by a parent

PS 98 is lead by a professional and truly caring principal, who is a role model who inspires students to achieve academic excellence through her own hard work (Ms. Huggins puts in tremendously long days!), gracious demeanor and school spirit. Although there is a small group of disgruntled parents who don't realize how well-run this school is, most families appreciate the work of the teachers and staff. The landmarked Depression era building is cramped feeling but well-maintained. The lack of available outdoor space for children's use just can't be helped although, for most, it's offset for most kids by their after school activities. PS 98 helps make the neighborhood a most saught after place to raise a family!
--Submitted by a parent

PLUSES: Academically an outstanding school. The teachers are knowledgeable, and the classroom size is small. While the school is not tremendously diverse, all students are welcome and fit in. MINUSES: The students are assigned up to 2 hours of homework a night. The school administration frequently does not allow the children to play outside during recess (when it rains, after it rains, and basically from November to March) because they feel the children would get wet or injured at these times of weather or year. Unfortunately since the school doesn't have a gym that is available during lunch time, the children are required to watch movies in the auditorium (no opportunity to socialize or play games) with no opportunity to burn off excess energy.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Small classroom size and very personable teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Great neighborhood school. Academically a really good school. The students excel, the teachers care. Socially everyone is accepted - the children feel like part of a family. A better Phys Ed Program is desperately needed. FACT: Children who are able to participate in regularly scheduled physical activities (min 3x per week) learn better. But there is no real playground, it is all blacktop with only one Basketball hoop and the gymnasium is also used as the school cafeteria -- so the Physical Ed program is very limited (not to mention the fact that the city does not consider this a priority). The school has an active and strong PTA (but it is primarily the same 33% of parents that participate every time = frustration) The After School Program is going through some exciting improvements. The Principal definitely runs the show; so understand that nothing happens without her blessing.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a family atmospere. It is small and everyone knows each other. The principle has done a great job with reading and writing workshops and it shows. There are only 2 classes per grade so all the kids interact with each other through the grades. It was a great experience for my son. The only thing I found lacking was funding for the arts. Not very strong if you want music, drama or art. However a dedicated and progressively run school.
--Submitted by a parent