P.S. 41 Greenwich Village

We compared PS 3, PS 41, and a few other schools like PS 87 on the UWS prior to choosing an apartment in a zone. We reviewed Wiki, GreatSchool.com reviews, tours and spoke to parents. PS 41 & PS 3 are for different types of children. PS 41 is more for a child that thrives in formal education, PS 3 for progressive education. PS 41 is for parents who prefer traditional academics WITH arts integration, PS 3 is for those that prefer arts integrated education on a higher order for instance music includes lessons on fractions. Both schools have Dance & Drama. Quote from PS 41 website "PS41 is dedicated to teaching a standards-based curriculum in a supportive environment" Quote from PS 3 website "classes set up more like working laboratories, with research materials and tables for group work". So, both are good schools. The question is how does your child learn best? In a "standard-based curriculum" or "laboratory and research materials" science based curriculum? My child is strong in math (can do fractions at 4 years old), science (can draw the major organs& bones in the body), art & group learning. PS 3 also will let her take math class with the older kids, which we preferred over G&T.
--Submitted by a parent

school is not set up to help children with even the slightest of learning challenges.
--Submitted by a parent

Amazing academics, great principle, and awesome teachers. I went there, my two best friends I ever met went there, and my best friend's Father went there over 40 years ago. It hasn't changed since. Way better than P.S. 3 and an amazing group of kids.
--Submitted by a parent

They really need to fire the person who answers the phone. The first impression people get of ANY school is the receptionist/office staff. There are plenty of lovely, nice people out there who would love to have this job and to have such an incredibly rude person working in the office reflects very bad judgment on the part of this school. My child will go elsewhere. Just awful.
--Submitted by a parent

I live in the area and wanted to compare PS41 and PS3. PS3 had info. about school tour on the website and when I called the school to confirm, he was very helpful and pleasant. On the other hand, PS 41 had no info. about the school tour, and I happened to call on the day of the school tour. The person who answered my call was very rude. She said if I didn't register in advance, too late to join tonight, OK, miss and hang up on me. I already like PS3 better although my kids are only 3 years old.
--Submitted by a parent

The person below who wrote a review on April 12th has to be talking about a different school. He/She cannot be speaking about PS 41. The school does not feel overcrowded, there is nothing Lord of the Flyish about it, and the principal creates an amazing school. I haven't spoken personally with her, but I haven't needed to. I have the teachers and parent coordinator to speak with. We have had zero problems. This school is a gift from Heaven. Everyone should be so lucky to have a school like this for their children. Finally, I have spoken with so many parents and we all love it. I have not heard a single complaint.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is incredibly well staffed, thoroughly caring, and keeps our children its top priority. We're lucky to have these teachers and administrators at our school!
--Submitted by a parent

My wife loves this school, and you will love it as well, if you think it defines you as a good parent. It is a school designed to create little middle managers in the corporate world. They do mix in some art, drama and dance admist the corporate approach of NCLB. Nonetheless, they are not appreciative of little critical thinkers who may need further explaniation beyond the "this is good for you" answers. They think far too much of themselves on the one hand, and on the other, you feel the are hostages to the "PS 41 way." (teachers words, not mine.) I disagree with those who think academic rigor is 41's problem, no, it's thier lack of courage to teach to the child, not to to the school's need for data.
--Submitted by a parent

It has a long tradition of excellence and caring for the individual child, as you would expect in the Village.

this school is highly disappointing. its reputation is unfounded and from long ago. It is now overcrowded without the infrastructure to support its community. the principal is one of the worst I have come across in my career and frankly should be removed from her post. most parents in my children's grades have never met or even spoken with her. She rolls in at 9:30 and is gone before school is out. All she cares about is her budget not what is right for the kids or the right way to teach. The lunchtime is atrocious and my children are terrified of lunchtime and the lunch ladies who monitor them. Safety & Discipline get 5 stars???? I DON'T THINK SO!!! just go walk around the building and if you really want an unsafe experience try picking up your kids from this lord of the flies like event. 'Its a JOKE'!!!
--Submitted by a parent