P.S. 234 Independence School

We have 2 children in the school and a third who has already graduated and I couldn't be happier about the whole package. We have had consistently passionate, articulate, engaged teachers who approach the evolving curriculum with thoughtfulness and creativity. It's not about rote learning or test prep -- they teach the kids how to be thinkers and keen observers. Looping enables the teachers to really get to know each child and the dynamic of the class. The PTA is unbelievably organized and effective with an incredibly dedicated and involved community. And Lisa is totally approachable and super smart. She and Elizabeth (the asst. principal) know and greet every child every morning so that even though its a big public school, it feels warm and welcoming.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two kids and seven years to judge and can't say enought about the quality of the teachers and administration of the school. Challenges are not insignificant, but come from exogenous factors like the population growth downtown, DOE proscriptions, etc. I would put each one of our teachers up against private school teachers; the facilities are fine; the parents and faculty are really engaged constructively. But, the overcrowding is real and I also think that the after school programs are subpar. On balance, however, a great option for people with options, and the school aims to be welcoming to everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

PS 234 is a great community, but the achievement bar is disappointedly low when considering the potential of the student body, the families' focus on education & the quality of the teachers. I am the parent of a 5th grader who has been under-challenged for the past 5 years. The school is doing a fine job of helping students who struggle & keeping average students happy enough. However, it does NOTHING for its most gifted students. At times, it feels like it is almost in bad taste (& definitely politically incorrect) to even raise their special needs. In fact, I don't think there is any awareness that gifted students have special needs. Instead, the school seems to function on the pervasive but erroneous notion, 'S/he will be fine; S/he is so smart anyway.' Addressing the distinct academic needs of this population would be a worthwhile challenge/goal for the Principal.
--Submitted by a parent

My experience was similar to some of the other posts. While the community and general atmosphere is congenial and welcoming -my son was terribly picked on by a teacher who literally was picking on him in class if front of the other kids and sending him to the office instead of recess for weeks on end. My son was subsequently diagnosed with ADD, but I cannot tell you how many derisive and inappropriate comments I received from staff. I received absolutely no support whatsoever in spite of talking to the counselor and trying to talk to his teacher. Lisa was wonderful (When she was eventually told about the situation) - but she really needs to hold some of her staff accountable.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at the school for several years, with two children attending. I do not feel that the school overemphasizes test scores or even particularly emphasizes them. It is a homogenous community of very lucky children (financially as well as in terms of parent support) that enables them to arrive ready to learn and to obtain assistance if they are struggling. I have perhaps been unusually fortunate in that my kids have only had extremely professional, insightful teachers who completely wow me with their dedication, intelligence and ability teach to several levels at a time. One caveat: The school is overcrowded due to its fabulous rep.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last post. Lisa Ripperger is a great principal and I feel she will lead her team back to the quality PS 234 is famous for. My child had a terrible time with a teacher who had no comprehension or understanding of positive reinforcement - she bullied & picked on my son terribly, seriously affecting his self esteem. We're still working on getting past the last year. Other than that - great community and wonderful active PTA. Some staff were great, some very rude. It's a toss - if you get a professional this is an excellent school. In my case -we didn't.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is tremendously overrated and has been steadily declining over the years. Lisa Ripperger, the new principal, seems to be making some meaningful changes, however, and has hired some excellent new teachers. Most students do well thanks to parent support and tutoring. Once a down-to-earth, neighborhood school, many of the 'new' parents have an air of entitlement without contributing time and effort to the school. For years, the parent body fought hard to open the wonderful new annex, which has alleviated overcrowding, at least in the short term.
--Submitted by a parent

We're fortunate to have such an excellent school in the area, with such concerned, active teachers and parents. The new principal, Lisa Ripperger, is wonderful. However overcrowding is a huge issue and becoming more so. Kids seem happy and school environment is friendly and safe. Very active PTA, great music program, but we lost the computer room and the yard is getting very busy at lunch.
--Submitted by Liat, a parent

It is a strong school, but extremely overcrowded. Excellent after school program. Very homogenous student population. Way too much attention to test scores. Fine for a child that does not need too much attention. Not enough space or teachers to cover individual strenths of the child. Attention is given to hitting those scores. Small classrooms, no art room, computer room, music room. Not very happy with the arts compared to other schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Look, the school is good, but they are downright fanatical about their position as the supposedly best public school in New York State. It's good to be in this school district, but I worry for the children who are relentlessly exposed to such a competitive environment.
--Submitted by a parent