Institute for Collaborative Education

Teachers are really for the students and parents. No grades, no standards on test, Principle great energy. Beginning of the year, two weeks of getting to know you, each other built in each individual.
—Submitted by a parent

This school nurtures the individual and praises a free thinker! Many different ways of learning and expressing ideas are what the school is saying to our children.
—Submitted by a parent

The warmth of the teachers, parents and student body radiates immediately when you walk in to the school. The curriculum is child centered. The kids "own" their learning and are taught how it integrates in to the world around them and in their every day lives. The students LOVE their teachers. At the town meeting at the first week of school, the teachers were greeting like "rock stars".
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaugher started the 8th grade at ICE this year. She says it's the best yr of her life because of ICE! It's academically challenging & fun..
—Submitted by a parent

My son, Dylan Greenberg, is a 7th grader at I.C.E. These are his words: I'm voting for I.C.E. not just because it is my school, but for many other reasons as well. Compared to more traditional schools, I.C.E. is extremely unique. I.C.E. is not trying to fit me into a mold of basic learning that you get in every other school. It's classes are very interactive. In all my classes we get to do activities related to what we're learning. Our science class is great, because we get to do all of our science experiments ourselves. Our electives are excellent. All of my friends look forward to elective on every day that we have it. I do, as well. My elective is economics. The economics class gets to learn about advertising and marketing, as well as how our economy is worsening, and how it can get better. I really like filmmaking, and I volunteered to make a movie for economics and the teacher let me do that as my project. In humanities, we are reading Animal Farm. Instead of just reading it and taking notes, we're writing fictional propaganda for some of the characters. Town Meeting is fun. I get to see things other people made and it's interesting. I feel like I'm really included in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

An amazing school with small classes that gives to and asks of its students their best.
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible, dedicated teachers; hands-on/meaningful learning; rigorous, interesting curriculum that fosters in-depth understanding; diverse, respectful community of learners, educators, and families
—Submitted by a parent

It's progressive and fun. The curriculum inspires creativity and the teachers and administrators are so dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers taht take the time to care about the kids they teach.
—Submitted by a parent

All the schools I researched in NYC for my kids to attend,I.C.E. has the best representation preparing kids for future. Energetic, positive, dedicated teachers!! Teachers have great communication with kids. It is wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

The Teachers. ICE is a tiny school barely 400 kids in grades 6-12, but they have made a commitment to small class size. In order to keep classes small the teachers do double and triple duty not only teaching expert and interesting classes and tutoring, they head clubs and sports, and help with administrative tasks. Many leave school well into the evening. They are a truly dedicated bunch.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a fantastic school with small classes, dedicated teachers, a diverse student body and an amazing principal. Go ICE!
—Submitted by a parent

Because my son, who hated school, never hated to go to I.C.E. and learn, and because of the founder and principal, John Pettinato, who is a miracle worker!
—Submitted by a parent

caring and attentive to the individual needs/capabilities of each student
—Submitted by a parent

ICE is like no other public school. The teachers know each student academically, socially and emotionally. The support and caring for each other, and for the entire family, at the school is amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

It's an always galvanizing combination of Sesame St (PG-13 edition) and Welcome Back Kotter. It's run on well placed rubberbands, salvaged batteries, the mighty, mighty efforts of a small, amazing staff, the harnessed energy of 400 some NYC public school kids, and occasional pennies offered up by cash-strapped parents. My seventh grader is reading Hobbes and Rosseau...my husband didn't read them 'til college...I'm not sure I read them at all!
—Submitted by a parent

ICE has many wonderful attributes. One is that both my children LOVE to go to school. That could not be said for their elementary school. The humanities and science program are strong, as is the music department. Creativity is cherished in all subject areas and the school does do not teach to the test. Therefore, my children are learning how to learn and enjoying the process. They are learning a lot about whatever subject they tackle. And I should not forget to mention the wonderful, dedicated teachers who inspire them to reach their potential.
—Submitted by a parent

amazingly dedicated and energetic teachers do a great job of harnessing student energy (and there is a lot of it). despite the small student body, each child seems able to find their niche and to find acceptance and support from all the others - a message of compassion that comes from the top down. my daughter and i are both excited about the curriculum, which promotes critical thinking every step of the way. and she continues to flourish in math and science!
—Submitted by a parent

The principle and the teachers really love our kids! My son has never loved a school or teachers as much as he does at ICE. He has blossomed since we moved here from australia and is taking school and learning much more seriously now. The teachers at ICE create a fun and exciting learning environment for the children. But not only do the teachers enjoy what they are doing (and it shows) but they are there to provide support for the kids after school every single day and evening. Thank you ICE! We think you are great!
—Submitted by a parent

ICE prepares kids for real work both college and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent