P.S. 33 Chelsea Prep

This school has exceeded my expectations for what we wanted for our son. I was a little nervous going from private pre-K to the K G&T program since it wasn't a local school. Let's face it, the neighborhood isn't the most desirable but this school is the gem of the neighborhood! I can tell you even the gen ed program seems as strong as the G&T program that my son experiences. The school is orderly and very safe and I'm amazed at all the great things our son learns on daily basis. The things he's learning in Kindergarten blow my mind - stuff I didn't learn until first or even 2nd grade. The projects are real life experiential learning and the teachers for both gen ed and G&T all seem to get along very well. Even though the G&T classes are separate they still are part of the school which is nice. The parents all care and all want the best for the kids. I feel there's a real community here and it's nice to see parents actively involved in their kids education. The principal doesn't put up with any disorderly conduct and I wish parents would stop trying to second guess her decisions. She knows what's she's doing so let her do her job. She does it so well and all the kids benefit.
—Submitted by a parent

Chelsea Prep is a gem. Fanatastic teachers who are dedicated & enthusiastic make this school great. The teachers go above & beyond to make sure your child is learning at a pace that is comfortable for him/her. Emotional well-being is important too. As far as academics go--I swear my son is getting a better education than some of his friends in the so called name brand schools AND without all the pretense and stress of keeping up with the Joneses.. The diversity and full use of the city's resources reminds me of why I live in this city.
—Submitted by a parent

Chelsea Prep's (PS 33) G&T program is outstanding. Beyond the caring teachers, the principal and school community is committed to providing a safe and progressive learning environment. We feel very lucky to have our daughter attend this school and program. It is perplexing that greatschools.org only rates this school a 6/10. This is hands-down one of the best elementary G&T programs in NYC. Do your own research, but I think you will find the same.
—Submitted by a parent

A gem in our public school system for NYC! Our son started last year in the G&T program at PS 33 and it was an incredible experience with Miss Dana who is SO enthusiastic and passionate about teaching. My son absolutely adores her and the field trips were exceptional for Kindergarten. The school community is wonderful and is a true microcosm of New York City with a true representation of ALL the many cultures and socio-economic demographics that New York city has to offere. The principal, well let's say she runs a "tight shIp" and doesn't put up with any riff-raff. Some parents weren't fans but I admire her persistance and goal of keeping this an exceptional school for the G&T and gen ed program. This year has started out with a great bang as well and my son can't wait to go to school every morning! The G&T curriculum is beyond anything I've seen elsewhere at other G&T programs I have friends attending in NYC - even citywide programs at NEST and the Anderson School. Things are orderly at the school and the only draw back is this school doesn't go through 8th or even 12 grade. The G&T parents support each other and really get along. I can't say enough great things about PS 33.
—Submitted by a parent

The best kept G&T secret in NYC is OUT and it's called PS 33! Our daughter attends this school and we absolutely LOVE it. The curriculum is challenging but also real-world experience. All the teachers seem to get along with each other and are very supportive of one another. I know some parents aren't fans of the principal but in my opinion she has a specific vision for this school which some may not agree with. The principal knows how to work the system to the advantage of all the students in the school - gen ed and G&T courses. Parents just need to let the principal and her admin staff do their jobs of making sure our kids get the best education possible. I can tell you this is a GREAT G&T program and based upon my research is on par (if not better) than NEST and Anderson. And the one post on here where someone claims the principal screamed and yelled at her? Yeah, RIGHT...give me a break. Mrs. Lindy is one of the most soft spoken people I've met so this is outrageous someone would say that she was screaming at her. Get a grip.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child in the pre-k group at ps 33. I am very happy to say that I am more than impressed by Lenore Lindy. I recently sent an e-mail to Principal Lindy and received a timely, thoughtful response and when I saw her a week or so later at drop off, she acknowledged the e-mail and updated me on the subject we were discussing. She knows the children by name, she visits the classrooms, chats with parents. Principal Lindy is not shut away behind closed doors. Our experience with the school, teachers and administration has been positive.
—Submitted by a parent

Unprofessional and irrational behavior from the current principal, Ms. Lindy. Ms. Linday screamed and yelled at me in front of group of kids in the cafeteria when I drop off my kid for school because I called Board of Education. I have never seem such a savage person. What amazed me is with her attitude like that, she can still become a principal to guide our kids. I'm sure I'm not the only parent here got verbally abused by her. It's time we need to look out for our kids. Ms. Lindy is definitely not looking out for the best interest of our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Last night, PS 33 held a parental involvement activity with our children!! We had an amazing time with our kids exercising !! The teacher who taught the class was AMAZING and ENERGETIC. We are fortunate to have these teachers who are very talented contributing to the school activities. There was an excellent turn out from the teachers, staff, principal, children and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This morning PS 33 hosted an amazing 1st annual Science Fair. My son and all the other 5th graders did an amazing job! Some of the types of scientific experiments they conducted included; Balloon Rockets, Testing H20 Simulated Volcanic Eruption and many more. I am pleasently proud of Principal Ms. Lindy, Asst. Principal Ms. Hermelin, and Science Teacher Ms. Lubick for continously implementing meaningful teaching and learning experiences. Best, Belinda (Jodeci's Mom :) )
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started going to Chelsea Prep in 2010 as a Kindergartner. We live far away from the school and obviously were worried about the commute, but theschool bus service is amazing and within a week of starting we were comfortable. It is beyond our belief how much she picked up last year in the G & T class and is contnuing to do so as a first grader in every aspect reading, writing, math. We are truly amazed by the ability of the teachers to cater the needs of these advanced learners. Communication with the parents is excellent, you are only an email away from the teacher!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school with one of the best G&T programs in the city. I have a a daughter in first grade at PS 33 and we have been amazed at how much she has picked up from the top notch teachers at the school. The building is old but what they are doing there is new. They have used the best and latest ideas in education to create a G&T program that is rigorous and academically challenging from K. I have friends with kids in other programs in the city and they are not getting the same level of work that PS 33 has provided my daughter. I think the secret about this gem is getting out though because they doubled the program this year. So lucky that we found this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who's child has spent time in both general ed (PK and K) and the G&T program (1st grade), I am very impressed with the quality and commitment of the teachers at PS33. It's a wonderful, small school environment that allows for a great deal of enrichment opportunities for children. The class sizes are usually less than max and teachers work together to address the needs of more advanced students as well as those with greater need for assistance.
—Submitted by a parent

My son comes from a Montessori environment and started in the G&T program in the class taught by Ms. Dana. She is amazing at bringing out the best of your child. The school emphasis in reading and math is excellent. The parent participation in the classroom is welcomed and appreciated. We are in constant communication with the classroom teacher which allows us to have an integral education for our child that includes home and school. I have had an excellent experience with the staff. The school's parent coordinator Ms. Hanne is always available to help you and cordial with all parents. Children receive and practice sports which was very important for us. We would like a better music program though. In our previous school our child was learning to play the piano. Not happening here. We feel like at home. We live far from the school, but for us is totally worth it to have our child at PS33 G&T because we feel he is getting the stimulation and support he needs to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Chelsea Prep is a phenominal public school institution. My child recently switched into the G&T Kindergarten class taught by Ms. Dana from another G&T K class. Rude awakening...G&T classes are far from being created equal. Chelsea Prep is the deluxe stretch limo of public school G&T programs and the school is AT LEAST as good as the Citiwide programs. I literally sleep better and generally feel more relaxed since my daughter started attending Chelsea Prep.
—Submitted by a parent

The creative arts programs are commendable. The Parent Coordinator is tops. She goes way beyond the call of duty to make sure you and your child's needs are taken care of. More PTA evening meetingswould help for parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot tell you how happy I am with Chelsea Prep. I have a Daughter in Pre-K and another in Kindergarten. My positive experience with the school began before my children attended. I visited the school and was warmly greeted , given a tour of the school and made to feel as if I was a veteran parent. I am pleased with the quality of education at Chelsea Prep and the professionalize of every staff member. Ps. 33 has exceeded my expectations dramatically. The school is one big happy family. The PTA welcomes all to participate and give ideas. I have volunteered to help out in classroom activities, as well as attended school trips. Every time you turn there is information posted about upcoming events, Extracurricular Activities, ways for Parent Involvement, every perfect attendance is acknowledged; instilling responsibility in children. As a working parent I am well informed on what s going on in school and I do not feel left out. I am more than pleased with my choice of school, my girls love the school and I love the education, the morals, the values, the quality of teachers and the attention they are receiving.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with the quality of education at Chelsea Prep. My son's progress since coming to this school exceeded my expectations dramatically. After foundering for years in both private and public schools, we have found a home!
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter both attend PS 33 and I am extremely happy with the education and awareness of what they are learning. The administration and PTA always keeps the Parents informed of new upcoming events, general information, etc. I feel up-to-date on everything even though I work full-time I still feel apart of the school. My children are zoned for PS 11 but I chose to keep my kids in PS 33 for the values, morals and education they are receiving.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is 1st grade at ps33 and I am verry happy so far with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Small class size,team approach to teaching and the dynamic and visionary leadership of Principal Linore Lindy have made Chelsea Prep (PS 33) one of Manhattan's best kept secrets. We transferred our now third grader at the beginning of the academic year from another area school. His academic performance improved right away by being in this tranquil yet academically challenging environment. Extended day and free afterschool activities round out the program. Parent involvement is encouraged, but still somewhat lacking. Chelsea Prep operates more like a private prep school than a public one.
—Submitted by Sepp Seitz, a parent