P.S. 3 Charrette School

The upper grade Special ED. teacher is a nightmare! Doesn't teach, doesn't give HW!!! 2 yrs not one sheet of HW!!!! EVEN MY SON SAID WE WASn't GETTING AN EDUCATION!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed with PS3. The principal is a disaster. The academics are poor. Expectations are low. For example, my daughter, who is in 2nd grade (and has been at PS3 since Kindergarten) has been reading since she was four and is capable of doing five digit multiplication as well as long and short division, all of which she learned at home. When I met with her math teacher to find out why she wasn't being challenged, I was told simply: "2nd graders do not do multiplication." Pathetic! I also find it hard to believe that the showcase of students' work on the walls outside my daughter's classroom often contains examples that are rife with uncorrected errors.
--Submitted by a parent

A school above the average NYC school, no doubt. I have been disappointed in creative and academic reality of the school. My kid's in 5th grade graduating from a very different school from when he began there 6 years ago. The school has changed because it HAS to change in order to meet the requirements held out by the powers. There is mild resistance to the change. The school is way to populated to continue the progressive style of teaching that we once embraced. They need to address the sadly lacking music program. Kids who learn music outside school are fostered. My kid had to learn the xylophone (the only choice offered). Really, how many kids tell their parents they are interested in learning the xylophone? Exactly. There is absolutely no support for kids who get bullied and NO policy of disciplining those doing the bullying. There are very exciting new experienced teachers coming each year and they are wonderful. There are some truly unique experiences children have in the classroom. One teacher builds wigwams, another has the kids create a restaurant and run it. My kid got lost in the transition to mainstream school. Once the transition is complete I think it will be better
--Submitted by a parent

What's not to love? I've got a fourth grader who's been attending PS3 since there was a pre-K at PS3. If you want your creative child to have the freedom to spread his wings, there's room for that at the school and he'll be writing, drawing, singing/playing up a storm. If he needs more structure, you can get that, too, at PS3. Teachers now teach to the ELA et al for several months of the year but that can help any kid smooth out the kinks in grammar and spelling, and the math tests end up being a review for many of the PS3 kids. Additionally, we've seen that they've accommodated the kids who want to learn beyond their grade in math, and chess has taken a bigger role in the 3rd grade curriculum, as more PS3 kids compete at each Council Cup.
--Submitted by a parent

amazing teachers and staff, wonderful arts, dance, music, fantastic families. i feel so fortunate to have my kids at this unique and wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

It's all changing now - less diversity, less of the great open-minded philosophy. Some teachers are very creative in their methods, others are not. Some teachers are kind and nurturing, others are not. Principal is not. Lot's of community, parental involvement and great arts - clay, art (they are building their own schools) and dance. Music could use some help.
--Submitted by a parent

If you want your kid to go to school to have fun this is the place for you. Academically soft curriculum taught by many nice but uninspired teachers. Principle is a disaster. 2009/10 school starting to have serious overcrowding issues. Administration seemingly preoccupied with fund raising, marching/protests etc., with little focus on teaching. My kid loved the place though.
--Submitted by a parent

Mixed grades for K-3. Could be stronger on bullies. They teach a love of learning in the class and out. Lot's of parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

My child's been attending for 5 years. There is a culture of community activism, parents can choose their level of classroom involvement, teachers can be very creative within their classrooms making schoolwork far more interesting than average. But, some things slip thru cracks like teaching basic handwriting. I'm still waiting to see the great art and music I've heard so much about, and their laid back culture made room for bullying among some students. But, involved parents can have an enormous opportunity to shape their child's experience. It's an excellent school overall and would enroll my child again.
--Submitted by a parent

Innovative and creative staff with combined ages. K&1, 2&3, 4&5.
--Submitted by a parent