The Cathedral School

This school is an AMAZING find on the UES! No factory here! This is an intimate school where PHENOMENAL teachers are more like family. The school size of about 155 students is just enough for these kids to learn in small class sizes and to develop meaningful interpersonal friendship among themselves and their teachers and administrators. A new Board of Directors has defined and is executing a responsible growth strategy and vision for the school for its facilities and educational programs. They have already delivered on a number of initiatives, including: a new state-of-the-art computer facility, a revamped science program, and the introduction of Singapore math. Plans are in the works for a handwriting improvement program, a robotics program, and facility renovations and expansions. An annual lecture series and a robust after-school program are icing on this cake! The added benefits of learning both Modern and Ancient Greek (the basis of many English vocabulary words) helps students excel when they move on to high schools and colleges. The secret is out as the student headcount has grown by more than 50% in the past few years. GET IN NOW WHILE THERE ARE STILL OPENINGS!!
—Submitted by a parent

We are just about to finish our first year at The Cathedral School and it has been a great year. My son loves his teachers, very much enjoys going to school and has made lots of friends. On the academic side he has thrives, he is read full sentences (3-4 length words) and has developed a love of books. His greek is pretty good for a 4 year old, enough now that he can say basic things to our greek friends at the dinner. The teachers and staff are extremely attentive to each student and helps them explore things that may interest them (planets, space, etc). The school is affliated with the Greek church, but this is no different than most private schools in NYC, they all have some connection to a church. I would say more than half of my sons class are non greeks. The Cathedral School is a true find on the UES.
—Submitted by a parent

Couldn't love this school more. The next review is full of errors. The science teacher left the school for another career -- she decided to do something other than teaching. It had nothing to do with the administration. The Greek department is stronger than ever this year. The teachers and administrators are innovative and expanding programs. The reading program is guided reading -- the math program is Singapore math -- there are REAL science and social studies classes in all grades. There was a large grant obtained this past year and teachers have been going to extensive training workshops. Overall, a terrific place.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great potential. However, poor management decisions have lead to loss of quality teachers for the upper school especially in science and ancient greek. The lack of a clear mission and inadequate emphasis in overall education leads to student attrition in the upper grades. The school also should pay greater attention to high school preparation and placement and consider hiring a guidance counsellor.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a true find. I have read the other reviews and am happy to report that the problems listed have been fixed. The administration has standardized the curriculum for each grade -- it is challenging but class size is small. There are separate levels for Greek (my child is a non-Greek speaker and enjoys her Greek class tremendously). Also, the teachers are great. There aren't any turn over issues mentioned in the other reviews. The curriculum is a good mix of the old and the new. Students memorize math facts and are taught how to think mathematically. The school has a classic emphasis so the students learn mythology from an early grade. Kids who have graduated have gone to some great high schools in the city. Also, tuition is low. So, if you're looking for a great school that won't make you go broke, check out the Cathedral School.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has excelled in this small, intimate environment. While in recent years the school has experience quite a bit of turnover (administration as well as faculty) the present teaching staff is very strong and enegetic, particularly in Science, Math and History. The students know each other very well, and for the most part form close friendships. The environment is one in wich academics are important, but not overwhelming. Areas for improvement include the administration's mangement of discpline issues, a breaking out of the Greek Curriculum (Classical and Modern) based upon ability levels, as many of the students are native or home Greek-speakers, and the school working to more clearly define whether it wants to be a true Independent School or a Greek Parochial School. Portfolio/project work could also use some TLC. All in all a nice school that is on its way up.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic standards are changing too often. It is a small environment that is prone to gossip and surprisingly lack of the important emphasis. Faculty is not standardized and teachers have high turn-over rate. All in all quite dissapointing.
—Submitted by a parent