P.S. 290 Manhattan New School

PS290's excellent reputation is based on the school it used to be, not what it is now. The curriculum emphasizes writing, but neglects fundamentals such as spelling and grammar. My daughter just learned what a verb is... because I had to explain it to her. Math is generally weak, as other reviewers have noted. They teach to the middle, ignoring high performing students (except kids of PTA board members). Teacher quality is inconsistent. A few are excellent, but most are mediocre at best. My daughter's current teacher has not sent home corrected homework since January & brazenly plays favorites in the classroom. The current principal is more interested in playing politics than effectively administering the school. She plays favorites with the children of the PTA board, placing them with better teachers and prioritizing them for enrichment programs. As a result, the PTA operates as a catty insiders club, with board members jockeying to keep their posts and keeping outsiders in their place. Their fundraising efforts are laughable, and communication with the parents is unsatisfactory. Finally, it is 140-150% overcrowded, which the principal wants to maintain for her budget
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started Kindergarten this year and we could not be more thrilled! She absolutely loves the school, and so do we! Our daughter has benefited from the warm and nurturing environment. They make it fun for the kids and that makes them love going to school. Her teacher is excellent, and we sometimes notice our daughter imitating her (really looks up to her as a role model). They have extended day sessions for kids needing additional help - our daughter's fine motor skills have benefited from this program. They have a good after school program as well. I love morning drop offs, as the back yard is abuzz with excited happy kids and energetic parents. The PTA is very active with fund-raising. I've personally been able to contribute by doing a guest session on music. Due to it's limited real estate, the school does not have a spacious auditorium and it's cafeteria doubles up as the gym, but the gym teacher makes the most of it. There is some homework even in K, which I like... The principal, vice principal, teachers and staff at MNS are excellent, and I highly recommend this school...
—Submitted by a parent

Great new K dual language (English/Mandarin) program. Excellent administration and teachers. Community environment with a diverse population that encourages students to explore and learn about different cultures.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 5th grade, so this is our last year at the school. We will miss the community feeling of MNS. Most of the teachers are dedicated to teaching and go above and beyond for their students. The school really helps to bring out the students creativity in the writing and the publishing parties they have help give the students a sense of pride . They could work on grammer and spelling more in the earlier years. the type of Math they teach has always been an issue. My son (as most of the kids we know) has had a tutor to keep him on track in math. The parents really help out in the school and make it a better place with their volunteering and fundraising efforts. The school offers interesting lunch clubs and after school programs. They have enrichment classes and extened day help for the students that need it. We have made many friendships along the way and some special memories to last a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent

I love because wonderful teachers and nice familys. They help my children very much. My children love to go to school evey single day!!
—Submitted by a parent

The incredable attention and support and care that the staff give to each one of our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Love MNS because of all the great and wonderful teachers that are caring and patient with our children and the principal is very involved and knows every child by name.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a real community school. EWveryone gets involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S. 290 because the staff truly cares about each and every child in that building. The children learn in such a loving and nurturing environment, that it makes the parents want to devote their time and energy to help out. When you walk in the building, you sense the dedication to our children. Manhattan New School is a unique, amazing school.
—Submitted by a parent

Manhattan New School is an amazing community of teachers, caregivers, parents and students joining together to make a positive change on our planet and in all of our lives.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a grandparent of 3 students in the school. The teachers are innovative.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome teachers, PTA and sense of community
—Submitted by a parent

There is a real sense of school community
—Submitted by a parent

Great school - just a wonderful experience now with two kids!
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a great energy and the staff is very kid friendly
—Submitted by a parent

It is a fabulous neighborhood school with a great sense of community. The kid and parents and teachers are all working together to educate the kids and the community.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, staff and of course kids!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful place to be a student - very active, progressive, much individual attention to students' neeeds, impressive teaching program and activities, great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very solid school - great writing program, passionate teachers, nicely managed despite the fact that the school has been very popular & crowded over the years. This school, especially in the lower grades, is probably even better than a lot of the private schools in NYC, which tend to be very "gentle" on academics in grades K-2.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a unique collaboration of parents and teachers striving to make the overall experience at Manhattan New School unique for our children.
—Submitted by a parent