P.S. 6 Lillie D Blake

Thanks for the frank and insightful comments. Very helpful. I'm a parent who is considering buying a property in this school zone but am a bit concern about the constant fundraising mentioned in lots of comments. Could someone please let me know how much the parents "donate" each week on average? Thanks!
—Submitted by a parent

PS6 is a machine - Very bureaucratic. Hence it's lack of ability to stretch and add value as it struggles with DOE frameworks that can be counterproductive. A solid safe education yes - an excellent challenging education definitely not. You kind of get what you pay for (literally as majority of 4/5th grade are privately tutored so who gets credit) it is also a political player (staff and PTA alike) Have 3 kids there and asked for money almost weekly (very pushy and for large sums thousands plus). There are many assumptions made about status of those able to live in most expensive NYC real estate! We try and support but it does feel like they're wannabe private (staff and a lot of parents) even pressured requests for money for frontline teaching which we found wrong on principle. You won't be surprised pleasantly or other, get what says on tin, and if you use private tutors etc may just get into east side middle
—Submitted by a parent

PS 6 has truly lived up to its lofty reputation. It has the characteristics expected of a high-performing school: high standards for students, good communication with parents, positive attitudes from faculty, and a PTA that is a fundraising machine. Meetings with teacher/principal are both child-centered, data-driven and very productive. I'm not a PTA member or someone who is always at the school. I'm just baffled by some of the below criticisms. We pay a fortune to send our daughter to a private high school in the neighborhood, and PS 6 is just as impressive as that school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with very good teachers, involved and active parent body and an administration that seems to care about doing things correctly. A few complaints: working within Board of Ed restrictions seems to lead to compromises in programming - wish the arts and music program were richer. Staff always seems a bit overwhelmed, and reaction seems to be to be strict with the children - maybe it is the number of students in the school. I wish the teachers used email - sending paper notes through student backpacks does not seem very efficient (not to mention not good for the environment or printer supplies). Overall though, the programming for core subjects is excellent, the facilities are high quality (gym, auditorium, library and large bright classrooms), and school has suprisingly good technology (smart boards, computers, etc.). All these elements are critical to the functioning and feel of the school. It is no wonder that people move into this school zone - sending your kids here is a no brainer - only wish it sent through high school and you did not have to deal with applying out for middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know what you guys are talking about. I'm not a parent. I actually went to the school. There are not many bullying problems compared to other schools. There were no "popular cliques". My brother went to private school in the Bronx. In 2nd grade my mother moved him to P.S. 6. He barely knew how to read when he got there. Now he can read very well and has many kind and fun friends which he enjoys being around. I had more trouble with cliques at private school than I did at P.S. 6. GO HERE!!! It is a fantastic education.

re the post about the pledge and the writer is 'surprised more parents aren't interested in this'...they are! But PS sweeps issues under the rug and ignores them. Many parents go to the administration about this issue along with others for example the bullying problem at the school most especially on the playground, but they do nothing about it. It's not spoken of and then when another parent finds out they are shocked because they have the same issue and so on...PS 6 needs a parents group that gets together to be heard and to make changes, not to be part of the PTA where the members are part of the problem of skirting issues and wanted to keep the school "clean" whereby no one hears about the things that go on there in the hopes it will stay the PS6 it once may have been, which was top notch. With this principal the school will never be number 1--she has no care for the kids, the issues at hand, the school community-she doesn't know the names of kids who have been there for 5 years! There needs to be a big change.
—Submitted by a parent

It seems as if the January 24th post has nothing to do with the school, but more about this individual's own issues with the area. If this person has issues with the school, do not allow your children to attend PS 6; just leave. The people who VOLUNTEER for the school are there for a reason, to help their children and the school. The school is not run like a casino, it is run like a great company full of knowledgeable individuals who take pride in the end result; the best education for their children. Parents are given choices IF they would like to donate to the school; with many opportunities to participate or not.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 6 is OK for a NYC public school. It has resources because its run like a casino and parents are constantly asked for money. The previous comments about "loving" the school and "best teachers" is hyperbole. These parents love the lifestyle in this school zone and that they dont have to pay tuition. It has little to do with their children. If they acknowledged the school's shortcomings, they might feel pressure to make a life change and leave the uppereast side.

I love that school. They have good teachers! I heard some parents complained about not really good teachers, but my son is so lucky to have always the best since 1st grade. He is 4th grade now.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at P.S. 6. One just finished 4th grade and one just finished 1st grade. The teachers are fantastic and the parents are very involved. The school offers so much that it is impossible to take advantage of everything. My kids have participated in chess, spanish, choir, ballroom dancing, track and many other activities. They also have a great afterschool program. I have watched them grow so much socially and academically and they are very happy at this school. I look forward to my third child starting at P.S. 6 soon.

I could not agree more with the below response. There is nothing wrong with teaching love of country. All nations do it. If your child attends PS 6, he/she will learn the pledge done by early Dutch settlers, when NYC was called "New Amsterdam", but the school refuses to teach our kids the American pledge. Its a disgrace, and I am surpised more parents arent interested in this.
—Submitted by a parent

I hate to admit it, since I worked there. But these people have a point. The teaching profession in general and the NYC schools in particular are in the strangle hold of the teacher's unions and their political minions. All the debates in-house in the schools come down to teacher compensations, perks, and absolute resistance to meaninful change. Very little focus on children, unless they are used as pawns to ransom the city and taxpayers for more money. Its really sad.
—Submitted by a teacher

The teachers are knowledgeable and dedicated, The administration is top notch and the parent body has created and maintains a nurturing and supportive community.
—Submitted by a parent

Like any school, there are great teachers and poor teachers. My 2 children have had both. I believe the new principle, Ms. Fontana, has done a lot to improve the school. The previous principle hurt PS6, in many ways, and not just where the children are concerned. He destroyed the trust and respect amongst his own staff. He was not a good advocate for the children. Also, during his reign, it was a steady progression downhill especially for children who received services. Thanks to Ms. Fontana, this school is once again rising to the top. My children have been in the school for 7 years. I would not have reccommended this school 3 or 4 years ago. Today, I think it is one of the best nd a great palce for your children to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Some teachers are great, others are plainly not, lets be honest here! I know plenty of parents at PS6 who have been/are dissatisfied with the standard of teaching. Since 1st grade we have had 2 poor teachers and (this year) one great one. The PTA funds extras which perhaps 'masks' some of the teaching deficiencies. There is not a week that goes by when a 'request' for funding is not received in my child's folder. The After School program is great. It is affordable and flexible. The kids adore the Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 6 provides a stellar environment for children to learn. The teachers are very dedicated to their jobs, and go above and beyond what is required of them. The parents are supportive, and for me, it is a great place to work!
—Submitted by a parent

Great Teachers who really care about their kids.
—Submitted by a parent

The hardest working staff and parents in New York! Great collaboration. Wonderful kids!
—Submitted by a teacher

best students, parents, teachers, staff - everyone counts in our school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the students, staff, and parents at PS 6.
—Submitted by a parent