P.S. 199 Jessie Isador Straus

I am a former student who loved everything about the school. It was a loving and accepting community with a fun curriculum and an opportunity for elementary schoolers to find their interests. The class size was about 25, and most teachers were good. The principal was good at keeping discipline, and the curriculum was actually quite rigorous in the early years. The school, however, started to go downhill because of the overcrowding and the switch in principals. Since the class sizes were getting bigger each year, the curriculum was becoming more and more generalized to fit the average student, with no individual attention whatsoever. Also, the new principal was more lenient, therefore more kids were disruptive. Now that I have graduated and the school is at its maximum capacity I do not recommend it. Instead, try to enroll in P.S. 452 (if possible) because a great former teacher who was at 199 is now in charge of this school, and it is not overcrowding!

I have an entering 3rd grader and an incoming kindergartener here. We came from a private school overseas so we were nervous about the transition. Let me say that for the child who is anything but exceptional (and I'm talking gifted, not merely very bright), this school deserves perfect marks. The principal, Katy, is fair and very involved in every aspect of the school. She is down to earth and knows every single child by name. The activities and special programs in the arts are unparalleled for a public school. The PTA is dedicated and hard working, ensuring the school is socially and financially supported by the parent body. Generally, the parents are highly educated and welcoming. The only reason it does not rate perfect is that if you do have that over the top intelligent child, you are completely at the mercy of your teacher as to whether they are kept interested. But even in a private or selective school, no education is 100% perfect for your individual child and as parents we have to be proactive in seeking other avenues of supporting their needs. Until NYC supports ALL public schools in providing gifted education, this is the BEST on offer in Manhattan - hands down!
—Submitted by a parent

We were very disappointed with the school and found that children who are advanced learners get no support, no enrichment and no opportunity to express or enhance their abilities. The school provides a 'bare bones' education and we are completely baffled by all of the positive hype. It is truly undeserved.
—Submitted by a parent

We came here from a private school because of a change in finances, so i entered ps 199 hesitant, wary and kicking and screaming my way in. It turns out, we couldn't have been happier. My daughters received individual attention despite the large class numbers and i felt that each child was very well known and attended to. The large class size allows cooperative work which on paper is not ideal but allows for wonderful training for the real world. My daughters were happy and very well educated-- they both are going to be going to very good middle schools as a result.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very average school. Some teachers are really good, some below average. Overcrowding has been a real issue, with more than 30 students, some really disruptive, in the class
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended K last year at PS 199 and I loved everything about the school. The teachers are strong, and I disagree with the prior comments about not correcting the children. This parent must be referring to 'inventive spelling' and the fact that the school allows the kindergarten children to spell phonetically when they first begin to write. It worked like a charm for my child, who was reluctant to write, but now feels so comfortable that she writes all the time. PS 199 is an excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't be more disappointed. My daughter attended K this year @ PS 199 after having gone to pre school in the area. She has regressed. It is pot luck on the teacher you get, the school is severely overcrowded and the fact that they don't want to correct the children for fear of squashing their enthusiasm as the Principal and teacher told me is a total cop out! The reputation was great, but that was a different Principal. I will be rethink where my child attends next year!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended this school last year and it was very dissapointing in every way. The school is overcrowded the education quite poor and the headmistress basically not visible. This review will probably never be seen and unfortunately most of the reviews available are old and much has changed at this school since then. PS 199 is living off an old reputation

This school could be the best but it is crowded. The situation will only become worse as new development continues within the school zone.
—Submitted by a parent

The best of the best. My child adores everyone and the education is the best in the city.
—Submitted by a parent

I was hesitant sending my daughter here for K, but now I am happy. She's with a lovely teacher, although some of the teachers are definitely better than others. facilities could use some improvement, but with the high parent involvement look for this school to challenge PS 6 as the jewel in the NYC public crown. note: principal is opposed to G&T education so if you are looking for enrichment you will have to go outside the school community.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school. What a public school should be. Well-run with very talented teachers and a very involved parent community.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started K at PS 199 this and I could not be happier with the school. Her teacher is both creative and demanding. The class is just the right size at 22 students. There is also a student teacher in the class at all times and parent volunteers are frequently invited to assist in teaching certain lessons. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Although it's motto is 'Work Hard, Be Nice' an important quality this school strives for is a sense of 'Community'. The Principle, Carol Stock, has been at the the school for a number of years and brings an extraordinary level of commitment and energy to her work. She's a very strong authority, but has a warm ease with the children. To the parents, who are VERY active in the school, she brings an open but no b-llsh-t attitude. You feel as a parent, that the administration and teachers work very well together, and that they are unified in their goals. The teachers seem to get the support they need. They also get that support from the PTA, which is TIRELESS. There are enough families with means, that the PTA raises of hundreds thousands of dollars a year for school support. We feel FORTUNATE to have our children in this school!
—Submitted by David Baker, a parent