P.S. 40 Augustus St.-Gaudens

Very disappointed. Principal has favorites. Does ZERO about the bullying going on here (rampant). PTA bickering and gossiping. Happy to be out of there.
--Submitted by a parent

just testing to see whether this review system works thank you. I will be posting a longer review shortly.
--Submitted by a teacher

We entered this school cautiously after considering private school, worried about academic rigor and class size. After a few years I can say my concerns were totally unfounded. With a middle class-to-affluent zone area (downside: not that ethnically diverse), these kids as a general rule behave well, come in socialized to the school situation from nursery school, and have involved parents. That, plus strong teachers means that classes of 25 have really not been a problem. My son adores his teacher and LOVES this school. We will have to pry him out with a crow bar after 5th grade. The reading program is intense, starting in kindergarden, and each kid is assigned an individually-tailored reading level that pushes them to maximize their abilities. The district 2 math program "TERC" is different from the way I learned and so I was suspicious, but it seems to work. There is more emphasis on concepts and logical problem solving than rote memorization. A lushly funded PTA provides things like chess, visiting authors etc. The principal is warm and thoughtful and knows every child by name. And with a neighborhood school, all my son's school friends live in the neighborhood!
--Submitted by a parent

Lousy staff who yell and punish kids for any small infraction. The Parent Teacher coordinator talks to parents as if they too were 6 years old. BEWARE
--Submitted by a parent

Incredibly satisfied with the school. Amazing teachers in every grade and subject One of my kids has been there since pre-k and is now in 4th grade. The principal gets an A++++ for everything. PTA does amazing work for the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children have had a fantastic education and have been extremely happy at PS40.
--Submitted by a parent

We joined the school this year and felt very welcomed. It is like a family. Class size could be better but it is not so bad. A lot of activities and PTA involvement. I wish it had some G&T or advanced curriculum. Overall, we made a great choice and I wouldn't change it.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great. They really teach well. My son is learning so many things. But you can tell they don't have enough man power as it is always a case for a public school. When a student gets injured or gets sick, they ask two other students escort that student to a school nurse even in kindergarten.

Very negative teachers and staff. Happy to be out of there
--Submitted by a parent

We love PS40/NYC because its our home away from home. A place where children are learning, are happy and well nourished. A parent can't ask for anything more. Great community, principal, Teachers and staff who truly works above and beyond the call of duty. Such a blessing!
--Submitted by a parent