Alexander Robertson School

ARS is a gem of a school, and my child is thriving there. I worried that the small class size would be smothering, but the opposite is the case. He has really come out of his shell. The teachers have been top notch, and it has been clear from discussions with them that they really know my child. There is a thoughtful curriculum, and the school recently adopted the Singapore Math program in an effort to beef up the mathematics curriculum. My one hesitation is that I don't think the school does enough to attract new families. They need to do a better job of marketing to keep their enrollment strong. But, overall, it has been a wonderful place for my child. I would recommend it for anyone, but especially for a child who may need a smaller, more nurturing class size.
--Submitted by a parent

The small class sizes (max 14 in a class) allows the teachers to give individual attention both to the students who need extra challenges and to those who need extra support in particular area. No student gets to hide or be overlooked. Although we have always been very pleased with the teachers, the bar has been raised in 2011/12 with the best group of teachers, several of whom are also pursuing masters degrees in education while teaching. The school has a new principal this year who goes out of her way to welcome parents. Truly a home away from home.
--Submitted by a parent

Our two children started at ARS. One is on a fellowship at CUNY journalism and the other starts veterinary school next fall. ARS clearly did many things right!
--Submitted by a parent

ARS is a truly great school. The teachers and staff are all smart, caring and know how to bring out the best in each child. The small classes enable them to cater to the needs of each student and it is a loving place.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I cannot say enough about this wonderful little school. We feel so fortunate to be able to send our child there. She loves this adorable school, the outstanding teachers and school staff there, and all the terrific children she shares her days with. When the time comes to move on one day, our family will truly miss ARS. Thanks to the wonderful foundation ARS is providing, we kow that our child will be able to accomplish whatever she wishes in the years ahead.
--Submitted by a parent

When we were deciding on the size and type of school for our child, it was just overwhelming. This ended the day we looked at ARS. It was a 'this is the place' moment. The school is small, calm and has everything we remembered loving about school as children but with a more modern spin as well. Our child couldn't be happier and is so comfortable at ARS. He runs into the school every morning and hardly wants to leave at the end of the day. We are amazed at the depth of material being covered and learned. We are also thrilled to see that things like ethics, the arts and maintaining good health are focused on every bit as much as academics.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a Mother of a K student at ARS and am thoroughly happy with ARS faculty. We sought a traditional education for our child. We wanted a safe and nurturing environment without the influence on an upper school. We looked at other private schools and had other choices but ARS was my first choice for the small class size (10), interfaith and international mix of students. Our child could not be happier and adores her primary teacher Mrs. Metzl - the faculty and leadership is wonderful. This was a perfect transition from home to school. Our child can already spell short words and count to 80. Students learn manners, ethics, French, creative art among other things. There is a good combination of structure and free time. You wont find a happier, nicer group of K kids!! Parents are helpful and can volunteer at the school as they like.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school and is truly a 'small school with a big world inside'!
--Submitted by a parent

When we decided to send our child to ARS, we knew it was a good elementary school. Admittedly, we worried it was wise to go in knowing that we'd have to deal with the admissions process again. We now see that it's actually a luxury to select MS/HS based on who our child is now as opposed to 5 years ago. ARS provides a well-rounded and solid education. It also imbues students with good values and a respect for others. It's a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

The tuition has gone up slightly but in exchange, the wonderful old school has been renovated and is a bright and lovely facility for elementary school-aged children. This is a school where your child can be a big fish in a small pond and stay a child, free from the issues that kick in at the adolescent years. It is academically solid and small size enables a great deal of personalized attention to each child's classroom needs. The faculty and administration really care. There extra activities such as language, art and music are tops. The library is charming and very user friendly. ARS has been, to use the name of the afterschool program that operates there, our 'oasis' in a city where kids tend to grow up fast and where many schools are often overcrowded
--Submitted by a parent