Stewart School

Garden City is not known for its diversity: ethnic, religious, or socio-economic. It is probably the only town on Long Island where a child can be bullied for not being Catholic. Or having dark hair on her arms. This in and of itself might not be a move-or-don't-move-here issue if the curriculum were richer and the teaching more consistent at every level, especially in grades 2-12. (The K-1 primary schools are quite good.) One cannot talk about the schools without also talking about the Village: a place where sports ALWAYS trump academics. Because of this, the schools--and the community--ultimately suffer. This is a good fit for families with athletically gifted, Catholic, caucasian children. But there's a caveat: If, like some of us, you still fit that GC mold, does that mean it's the right choice? This town produces exceptional athletes--not well-rounded, intellectual, curious, engaged children. And at the end of the day, isn't that what matters?
—Submitted by a parent

I find the majority of the teachers to be perceptive, caring and willing to work with the parents. The Principal is very hands on, seems to know all of the students by name and personality. At a chance meeting one day, she was able to recite exactly how my child was performing and the grades I could expect. As far as special needs, I have seen more understanding in this school than many other neighboring districts. Bottom line, stay involved. The only reason I didn't give five stars is because i would like to see more advanced classes in Science.
—Submitted by a parent

Have two children so far that have gone through several grades in this school. Generally the teachers have been very good, a few excellent and one or two very poor. The poor ones were really bad and I had to speak to the principal numerous times as did other parents, after speaking to the teacher go us nowhere. The principal is/was very good, though not sure much was done based on the complaints.
—Submitted by a parent

My son finished his last year there and he was sad when he had to leave all the teachers are nice and i would give the school a thumbs up
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the earlier review, the principal and staff are certainly on their own agenda. If you have a child with special needs, beware. Maybe the school should consider adding new people that understand special ed kids needs more and/or get rid of staff that won't bend. Special ed applies to lots of students nowadays and those parents and students shouldn't be penalized.
—Submitted by a parent

My child in now in the 4th grade at Stewart School and I have nothing but good things to say about this school. She is motivated, happy and has had extraordinary teachers who really care. I find it very hard to believe that 99 percent of the children who attend Stewart aren't getting a GREAT education.
—Submitted by a parent

The Principal and the support staff at Stewart School are horrible. They have a destructive and discriminatory staff and they don't care about your child or your family. Only a few teachers in this school possess the ability to educate your child academically as well as morally. Chances are that your child will probably never come in contact with these teachers while in the school, since as I said there are only a few of them. I strongly do not recommend this establishment, as a matter of fact BEWARE OF IT. They follow rules like robots, without the use of common sense. If you have a child with special needs they will only care to sign the child up for services but when talking to the child they will forget those specials needs and proceed to confuse and traumatize her/him.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel my daughter is getting a good education due to her wonderful teachers. There is a definate lack of communication between the staff when the children need support. I can see how a child can 'fall through the cracks'
—Submitted by a parent