William B Ward Elementary School

Before my kids are of school age we moved to New Rochelle from Manhattan. I must say I was a bit 'worried' because it appears that most people I know in Westchester tend to dismiss New Rochelle public schools outright. When I told them that my family was moving to New Rochelle they were even discouraging me because according to them the public schools aren't good. I strongly disagree with them having sent my kids to school there. I am very pleased with the quality of the school and its teachers. They have high standards. The principal appears to be very much involved with the children. One thing I love about New Rochelle school district is its diverse community. It's a very vibrant and welcoming town. It has the feel and atmosphere of Westchester without being snub. Congratulations to the New Rochelle school administrators for doing an excellent job. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know how the school was run before the new principal came in 2010 (I hear the old principal was horrible) but the school is run great and I am very happy there. I just wish that more parents would be involved in their childs school and would be more hands on but we do live in a middle class community and I'm sure most parents work but there still are many stay at home parents that would rather go to the gym and shop and not be involved.
—Submitted by a parent

The school works really hard to maintain a balance educational environment. They stress both educational and social learning, my kids are really blossoming at Ward!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! I admit, I was skeptical of putting my child in the New Rochelle school district, but as each year passes it has proven over and over what a wonderful school it is. My child is in an inclusion class and also receives PT, OT and speech services. This school has gone above and beyond to make sure we get our services and my child has assimilated well within the program and has some really wonderful friends. We've had excellent teachers every year and they genuinely care. The new principal has done a tremendous job and is very involved. The moral of the school is exactly what it should be and I look forward to all the years to come in this district.
—Submitted by a parent

For one of the largest public elementary schools in new york state, it is run efficiently and with loving care. It is a clean school with excellent teachers, and has a small school feel given it's size.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this is an excellent school. It provides a very joyful and diverse learning environment which has helped our children tremendously
—Submitted by a parent

I was pleasantly surprised how great this school is. In kindergarten, my son was very excited to go to school every day. From the moment he entered the school grounds, the school monitor, Ms. Gail, greeted him warmly and remembered his name from that day on. She remembers every child's name, making their first moments at school welcoming. My son is now in 1st grade and has grown leaps and bounds in reading and math. The philosophy of the principal and all the 1st grade teachers is to have the students read, read, and read some more. Every month, there has been a new 'game/challenge' with reading. My son gets excited to go to the local library and choose books for his class reading challenges. Ward Elementary is keeping me in New Rochelle even though I have thoughts of moving to other areas of Westchester County.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the worse schools ever if you have a child with special needs. The Principal has no handle of the school. The Vice Principal is a full blown bully & the teachers have more days off then the students. I have had the worse experience with this school & I wish the other parents that agreed with me would rate this school like I am. I am sorry but this school can be rated to the lowest end.
—Submitted by a parent

So far I have been moderately pleased with the level of education that my kindergartener has been receiving at Ward. All of the parents that I speak with, however, are very happy with the curriculum and activities provided by the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We recently moved to New Rochelle from Manhattan and put our son in Kindergarten at Ward. We were concerned that our son would have many transition problems. He did not know anyone in New Rochelle or in the school system. He came into class in December. He also had special need issues that had to be addressed. We were shocked and amazed on how everyone, from the Principal, the school social workers, the teachers, the nurses, to the bus drivers, all took a special interest in making sure we were comfortable, and that our transition for our son would be as easy and compassionate as possible. We are very thankful.
—Submitted by a parent