P.S. 221 the North Hills School

Parents who complain the most happen to be the ones who are very dedicated to their kid's academic progress and expect a lot from the school (in academics)...or parents who dedicate the least time to their kids (and usually care more about the extra curricular stuff). For some to complain of lack of extra curricular activities; where does that come from? I have attended a play, a fieldtrip, a dance festival, and she is only in K. Kids learn many songs, plays; have activities for thanksgiving, Christmas, even halloween; participate in an annual community parade, have their own annual dance festival...isn't this good enough? If you want your kids to succed academically, THIS IS the school to be...if you want a school that offers more extra curricular activities, try Flushing or Jackson Heights; teachers prefer to give children more "extra curricular" activities than having them taking classes in a bathroom, or try a gym, or soccer or baseball league, because academics do not seem to be the problem with PS221, right?...Not coming back next year? I am sad for you kids, but two other kids will benefit from your decision big time...
—Submitted by a parent

I love PS 221. I am a mother of two kids. Both of my kids are in PS 221. I am not sure why a parents said it has no gym on a weekly basis. My son was in Kindergarten and he had a gym class every week. In addition to that, my son learned a lot of songs and dances. Every year, PS 221 has a dance festival for grade K to three. I don't know why someone is complaining there is no other activities. My son also got extra helped with his academic study. All teachers and staffs are nice. Both of my kids love this school and my neighbors are also have kids in this school. They also love this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved here in September and had all 3 of my children enrolled in PS 221. Academically the school is great, other than that they have nothing to offer. No music, arts, or sports programs. My son who was in Kindergarten didnt even have gym on a weekly basis. My son was having some difficulty and I reached out to his teacher who was did not handle the situation in the proper manner, so I went to the principal and was still unsatisfied. Needless to say my children will not be attending 221 next year. If all you care about is your child doing well academically this is the school to be in...but if you want a school that offers extra ciricular activites and is more involved this is not the school to be in.
—Submitted by a parent

I Love this school in terms of my teachers nad friends and memories-but the curriculum was insane. There was hardly any really fun events, and you know what our walkathon was? MArching around the recess yard five times. The 110 fith graders were crammed into a tine stone yard for recess. In first grade, we werent even allowed to run at recess. Those of us who did got yelled at by the aids and Principal, who often came to watch us. The fourth grades were pummeled every night by ELA and Math assesments, so when it came to the state tests, where were brainwashed into knowing every single answer. I understand about the competition but come on! We hardly had any good assemblies or events. My teachers were amazing though! They were really helpfull and patient with all of us.

There is no perfect school with perfect teachers, the same with ps 221. Some teachers are great, like teacher richmond, monsanto, kim while others are just so so.
—Submitted by a parent

Some teachers are kind of annoying and other's are sweet. The principal takes learning a bit too seriously. Needs more fun events!
—Submitted by a student

Thanks to P.S. 221's wonderful reading, writing, and many other activities. And thanks to the Guard lady's paying attention to details, friendly to all parents and students, and watch strangers. She is excellent and I feel safe to have my daughter in school. The trafic monitoring lady is also great which I saw many times she helped young students cross the street safely because some parents drop off their children far to walk to school (which it's dangerous)because the parents cannot find parking. Thanks to the traff control lady and school guard - this is based on what I saw everytime I walked my daughter to school. The staff is great in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the most greatest school ever!1!
—Submitted by a student

As a parent I have been involved with this school for the past 10 years. I have seen many changes at the school. Three principals and many teachers. Overall, this is a very strong school in terms of student achievement, parent involvement, teacher expertise and administrative leadership. Since the students are so high performing, I would like to see more enrichment activities to balance out the curriculum. I would also like to see more differentiation in general. Teachers should challenge students who are advanced and give extra help to those who are struggling. I would recommend this school to other parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a very wonderful teacher who worked with my daughter to improve her learning skills. She is great! Ms. Oakes, I commend you for your dedication to educating our children!