P.S. 163 Alfred E Smith

I'm a parent of a gifted and non-gifted child who both attend P.S. 163. The school is made up of parents of many backgrounds (Black, White, Asian and Spanish). The staff there is extremely helpful. The Parent Coordinator is a gem. When I was unhappy with my oldest child's school she guided me through the process to get my oldest into P.S. 163. The Co-President of the PTA took a call from me at 9pm when I was unhappy about some school photographs that came out bad. I was able to have my child re-take the shots with no extra cost to me. My 2nd grader is in the gifted program. My 2nd grader scored high enough on the gifted tests that she could have gotten into any school that she wanted. I picked P.S. 163 because I liked the atmosphere. I especially liked the fact that there is not attitude of "we are better then you" among the students who are in gifted class against the ones who are in general education classes. I also liked that while there is a strong academic program, the children are allowed to actually have fun and be children. The school has a great afterschool program run by LEAP which is from 3-6pm.
--Submitted by a parent

During the enrollment process in 2010, we were offered a G&T seat at PS 163. We did not know much about the school at the time but from the moment we walked in the school doors we knew we found a D3 hidden gem of a school. The administration is available and is a constant presence in the school. The teachers are dedicated, hard working and have always been willing to give extra time to help support our child s education and development. I especially like the trailers for the kindergarten classrooms. I had neutral feelings about them going into the school year but they turned out to be ideal. The kids have their own bathroom, drop off & pick up are at the classroom door and there is a nice play yard just for the kindergartners. The school does not raise as much money as some of the other D3 schools but I feel the school and PTA have done a great job in choosing the right places to spend the money. The school community is warm and inviting. There is a great sense of pride in the school and all the programs offered in the school; Gen Ed, Dual Language & G&T, work together to make this possible.
--Submitted by a parent

Because the teachers are amazing and work so hard despite economic challenges, the children love going to school and are so proud of their accomplishments and because it feels like home.
--Submitted by a parent

PS163 is wonderfully diverse school with dedicated and caring teachers. our daughter just began Kindergarten, we are so happy with the time she is able to use the outdoor grounds and the science curriculum. It is easy to get involved in projects from gardening to Auction. PS163 is great!
--Submitted by a parent

The enthusiasm of the parents and teachers and the dual language program.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son is in the G&T Kindergarten class this year and we love the school. His teacher is one of the sweetest and most caring teachers I have met (and I recruit teachers for a living). The school is more diverse than any public or private school we could find in the City. As a strong supporter of school choice and charter schools in particular, I must say I am very impressed with this traditional public school. It has given me new faith that excellence is possible in an urban public school.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff is warm and caring. They are the hands,feet, and hearts that are making the bridges toward greatness for our children's emotional and educational development without chance. Only promise.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely love the teachers and faculty and how I know that my child is safe, loved and cared for when I drop my child off until I pick him up.
--Submitted by a parent

I love PS163 because it has a wonderful, diverse student body, dedicated parents, great teachers, and lots of interesting curriculum offerings like science lab, dance, chess, and quilting, in addition to all the basics.
--Submitted by a parent

We have smart students, a professional and collaborative faculty, a good administration, and a caring,giving,and proactive parents' association!
--Submitted by a teacher