P.S. 183 Robert L Stevenson

Very strong school. The school reflects its neighborhood with many children of doctors, nurses and scientists, as well as other professionals who live on the upper east side. The principal is particularly strong. She began a program to improve math skills three years ago and it is paying strong dividends. Last year's focus was on better behavior; also very successful. The current focus is on better incorporating technology. Teachers are equally strong, especially among specialists. Fifth grade now "travels" from homeroom to dedicated subject matter teachers. That works well and prepares kids for middle school. A truly strong public school; perhaps the best in NYC.
—Submitted by a parent

So many special things about PS 183, including extra instruction outside the homeroom class for K through 5 in art, music, computers, physical ed and science. The principal is a very forward thinking educator who regularly implements new teaching methods for her staff, provides regular professional development, and partners with high level math and literacy programs outside the school, to enhance the children's learning experience. We are very happy, and although the homework level has gotten challenging for our 3rd grader this year, it is certainly preparing him for the years to come. Lots of oversight and I find the teachers and principal very responsive to any questions we have. Very dedicated and involved PTA, as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in 4th grade and having a difficult time. They barely gave out homework in 3rd grade and are now moving at warp speed in all subjects so it's hard for the students to catch up. The majority of students have tutors b/c of the Terk math method they teach, which is hard to comprehend. They do not enforce spelling in 1st and 2nd grade so that the kids can focus on creativity, but they will come out bad spellers. The school decreased 4th grade to 3 classes of 31 students, so they are overcrowded. The noise level and commotion in class makes it hard to study. The kids overall are rowdy....I volunteer there so that is how I know. I vote to bring back traditional math practice and maintain smaller class sizes but not busing kids in.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved this school was here k to 5? Nice teachers. Awesome gym. Best elementary school ever

Excellent emphasis on the fundamentals. All of our teachers so far have provided differentiated education for our children. Art is excellent, Wan Ling is extremely good. Math is excellent, PS 183 has a specialized Math director for the school provides before-school additional opportunities for students with abilities/interest in Math.
—Submitted by a parent

We had to move and we miss our school daily. My daughter learned so much and was very happy at this amazing school. We are in a different state now and even with a newer school building, more space, and fewer children per class PS 183 is light years ahead of my daughter's current school in TX. She was at PS183 for first and kinder and in the last month her 2nd grade class has caught up to where my daughter was academically at the end of first grade.
—Submitted by a parent

I began Kindergarten at P.S. 183 back in 1973. At that time, the school went from K - 6th grade. To this day, I have very fond memories of my time there. Every teacher impacted me in a positive, healthy way. The memorable Library gave me the gift of reading...the yearly Dance Festivals, Music classes in the Auditorium and, of course, the education that I received provided me with a foundation for Life. Give your child the Gift of P.S. 183; you won't regret it.

It is an extraordinary school, staff is highly qualified, programs are stunning! Diversity makes of PS183 its most!
—Submitted by a parent

It's very diverse, competitive, compassionate and happy with a highly educated and involved parent body.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from here in 2005 and we always come back to visit. The music and art programs are great, and the after school programs have something for every child. Although you do have to pay for them, but worth every penny. The community is diverse and everyone is family. A great start for any child.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 183 is a wonderful school. My son has learned a lot. The environment is safe and the adminstration demonstrates the care and willingness towards our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter at ps 183 and find it disappointing. The classroom is much about disciplining rather than teaching material.Curriculum is weak--Needs more teachers in the class to help out. I find it outrageous that there is no computer instruction-- or library . Nonetheless it was replaced with dance.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. The teacher we had was so loving, great with the kids & with discipling the problem children in the classroom. We were at the school temporarily (as many students here are) and were accustomed to a private school environment. That said, I was very impressed with all this elementary school had to offer. We loved all the field trips to various museums and walks to the park. I was most impressed that the school takes advantage of all the city has to offer. The academics were challenging and varied and my child was able to pick up in her academically agressive private school with ease when we returned. I particularly liked the homework regimen and the reading logs. The only improvement I suggest is increasing campus security at the back gate entrance, especially at pick up. It was too easy for anyone to wander in.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 kids at PS 183 and have really been delighted with the quality of teaching, values of other kids and parents and extracurricular offerings. Math program is the one possible area for improvement as 183 is at the mercy of District 2's TERC math plan. That said, the teachers do the best they can to give kids good basic skills within the confines of the district 2 program and statewide standardized testing has improved the content of math teaching curriculum. The school is otherwise excellent in all respects. The parents and PTA are really active and generous and work hard to supplement limited public funding.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with a strong sense of community. We love having our child attend this school and hope to have the same experience in middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

The academicsa are good at the lower lever but curriculum is not challenging enough for older kids. Teachers are great and caring and parent body active. Bathrooms are horrible and there is no gym. Lunchroom supervision not adequate.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in PS183, and we have been quite happy with it. The teachers are good, they manage to both keep the children entertained and motivated to learn. Our son has some attention issues, and needs dirrection to stay on task. The teacher has been quite successful in this regard.
—Submitted by a parent

One fantastic experience! Perhaps one of the very few public schools with music and arts programs, computer and science labs and a gym currently being built! The PTA is incredibly strong and funds were raised to add teachers aids, musical instruments, sports equipment etc. Their afterschool programs are varied and keep our kids active and intelectually stimulated. The Principal is an incredible leader who created a wonderful environment for the winning staff! A true gem!
—Submitted by Daria Zeliger, a parent

PS 183 is a culturally diverse school. It is one of the few schools in NYC that can really celebrate having a host of families from all parts of the world. This impacts the children in such a positive way and is celebrated. Josh Klaris is a new principal to the school, but for the most part has been receptive to families/parents, especially new families. Jean, the parent coordinator, is a wonderful asset to the school and only improves inclusiveness among parents. Fundraising is big at PS 183. It is for good causes, but it can sometimes alienate those whose income does not allow for such continuous fundraising and direct donations. The curriculum is very progressive and very project oriented. I do wish for a more balanced curriculm that allowed for those students that would learn best from some traditional methodologies (i.e, phonics, algorithm). No school is perfect, but this one comes very close!
—Submitted by Tina Pack, a parent