Germantown Central School

As a graduate from GCS, I know firsthand what the experience is like for students there. Unfortunately the teachers who go the extra mile for their students, who care about preparing them for the real world and not just about test scores, are often pushed aside and many leave the school entirely. The administration lacks compassion and is often deaf to the real needs to the school. As of my graduation, there was virtually no preparation for college courses. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into Questar III's New Visions program (which I highly recommend) where I took courses at a college -- QIII prepared me to handle college, not Germantown. Had I gone into a college without my QIII experience I would have been overwhelmed by the difference. Throughout my years at GCS only once were we shown how to complete a W2 form and how to file taxes. As simple of a thing as that is, you would be amazed how many young adults do not have the knowledge. Again, there is little to no emphasis on skills that will assist you in the real world. While I understand the importance of high scores on standardized tests, the SAT will not show you how to balance a budget or how financial aid works.
—Submitted by a teacher

Wonderful school, with wonderful teachers. Has a small town feel, with advanced classes available. The school welcomes parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

GCS has come a long way since I was a student. There are now AP and college courses offered as well as extra-curricular activities if a student chooses to participate. The teachers and administration, as well as support staff, sincerely care about the students. Although I believe that more parent participation is needed. No school is perfect; however, after speaking with parents from other districts, I am very happy that my children are graduates of Germantown School. One of my children graduated summa cum laude from a private college with many honors. I know GCS helped prepare him for college.
—Submitted by a parent

I wouldn't want my 4 childrent to go to any other school! Germantown has been an amazing place for them. I have a teenager that is an honors student and involved in all areas of school with great friends and great teachers. I have 3 children in the elementary all with remarkable and caring teachers. Everyone knows everyone's names and I love that all 4 of my kids go to the same school together. I feel Germantown is our little secret. If your kids fall through the cracks at Germantown, it's your fault. It's hard to do and for the people that are saying the teachers are awful.....I don't know who you are. We have had a wonderful experience. When I look at my children's class pictures each year, I know each of those kids and the parents. 4 stars only because there can always be improvement!
—Submitted by a parent

my granddaughter goes there and loves her school.i have no trouble getting her up and ready for school.she is in the eighth grade.they have done so much for her as she is in special ed.she looks forward to school.they are there for the kids and kids can tell,it does make a great deal of difference.love that school.thank you all.

I have 2 children currently enrolld and have had 3 children graduate from GCS. The problem with this school is the lack of good teachers and good administration. Administration lacks compassion for families and their students.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school for special needs kids. Everyone else gets left behind.
—Submitted by a student

Have had 3 kids through this school. It lacks serious teachers. They worry about the small things and not education, the teachers who are to help the kids don't do a good job, just let them slip through and they pass kids that shouldn't be passed just so they don't have to deal with them another year. Had to send my child to expensive school after school to teach to read and write. Still being tutored as the teachers stink at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had four children attend Germantown Central School. Two have graduated and gone on to Bard College. One is a junior and has been accepted into the New Visions Medical Program at Questar III. My youngest is an eighth grader who similarly thrives. I find the administration to be enlightened, dedicated and hard-working, as is the great majority of faculty. Germantown is experiencing a sea change in its local culture and politics, and this is reflected in the substantial and provable improvement in academic achievement. The relative modesty of the tax base precludes all the bells and whistles of wealthier districts, but the intimacy, focused care and professional dedication more than compensate for that. My rating is four stars. I withhold the fifth because there is always room for improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a developementally disabled special needs child, I am VERY impressed with Germantown school, the teachers, peers, and administration. My child is treated the same as all other children which is very unusual when having a special needs child, Her peers are very supportive both in and out of school. She has gone from a kindegarten reading level to a 3rd grade reading level in 2 years, also her math has increased from K to 3rd grade level. Socially, she has matured and come out of her shell, wanting to do the things other kids do. I cannot say enough good things about this school. The fact that all faculty, administration, know all the students and parents on a first name basis is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

i am i student at germantown. there arent alot of bad kids and some kid graduate to really good schools.on top of that germantown students are all really close and the size is great.
—Submitted by a student

As a mother of two, I thank my lucky stars each day to have the opportunity to send my children to GCS! The teachers, especially in the elementary are phenomenal and are extremely caring, often going way beyond the call of duty to help a child in need! There will be no 'getting lost in the shuffle' here! And, as for being safe...although we look at teenagers as being a bad influence some of the time, I find that the older students are very helpful and protective of the little ones! Great kids, great teachers and great leaders (especially the Elementary Principal)! Germantown is a very improved school district, on the cutting edge in education. GCS doesn't have a lot of frills, but hardworking students with involved parents are guaranteed to succeed here! From, a mother and a former student...Go Clippers!
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know why some people give this school such a bad rap. Overall, it's a great school! Sure, it has some flaws, but what school doesn't? It is a small, homey school. Yes, everyone knows everybody. But that is mostly a positive aspect. When attending GCS, I did not get lost in the crowd like a large school. Most of the staff/teachers are helpful. I am proud to be a former student of GCS. It taught me a lot & I enjoyed being in a small school. Give GCS a chance!

I have 2 children in Germantown and I was also a student many years ago. I have had no problems with teachers, principal, or any others whom I have needed to contact. If I left a voicemail the phone call was returned within the next day if not within hours. I would recommend this school to any and all students. I also know first hand that 5 of the kids that just graduated in 2008 have gone to very successful schools and took AP courses that they were interested in. I don't know what has happened in each of the other peoples time with dealing with Germantown, but I still stand by my statement that Germantown Central is a very good school.
—Submitted by a parent

Germantown is in a sad state of affairs. We have little to no extra curriculars, very few AP courses, and have recently lost almost 1/3 of our high school faculity. As I student I feel as if I've been cheated out on many opertunaties. As stated before, if you don't come from a local family you are treated as a second class citizen. Many of the children from old families of the area are aloud to get away with a multitude of things while other students are harassed by the administration for too few absences or writing letters to the local newspaper concerning Germantown policies. Food is subpar, guidence office is stuck in the past, money is spent on frivilous things, bathrooms are disgusting, teachers in Elem. are NEVER in classroom, students are pushed through and unless you can play baseball, you are 'worthless.'
—Submitted by a student

Germantown is a great place to be. Im a former sudent of Germantown and now i am a student at the Military College of the State of Vermont.The education I recieved from Germantown set me up for my college experience. GCS is a place of character. And like most other things in life its what you make of it.
—Submitted by a former student

I feel that too much goes on inside the school that parents don't hear about. If my child is disciplined or has done something worthy of punishment I feel I should be approached/called by the teacher or by the principal. If my child does not bring in homework, does not do a report, or fails a test I want to know about it. I also want to know if my child is disrespectful. A note home is not good enough. What happened to calls home? I work a 40+ hour job, which is going to get the mail first me or my kid. If the school does not keep the parents aware the kids won t change. This is all due to an extreme lack of communication.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved out of the area precisely because Germantown Central School was not going to prepare my children correctly for higher education. My two daughters have since graduated high school in another state and have transitioned to a private University without any problems at all. This school needs to be consolidated!
—Submitted by D Ramsey, a parent

i went to germantown school and people say i have to get out of here.Do not rush it germantown was thus best scool i ever gone to! people can say germantown is such a bad school its not.i left germantown in the middle threw my sixth grade year.germantown execpts any one and every am telling from a student point of view i love ermantown. i would do any thing to go back.
—Submitted by Airick Biglo, a former student

I have had two children in Germantown Schools, overall there is a general lack of leadership thus the changes in administration often. If you plan on your child attending college, you as a parent must do all of the work. The guidance department is back in 40-50's. Just place them in a studyhall and they will be fine. There is a general attitude of just pass and get out and our job is done! The other issue is that if you are not born and raised in the area, you are an outsider and therefore there is less opportunity for your children. It appears that only the locals are recognized.
—Submitted by a parent