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

ARS is a great find. The teachers are absolutely wonderful, and we feel like our child is getting a strong academic foundation. ARS has small classes, and her teachers have kept her school work interesting and challenging. She is excited about learning and going to school every day. The environment is relaxed and has really helped build her confidence.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son absolutely thrives at ARS. It is a sweet, caring school, where children truly can feel like a 'big fish in a small pond.' There's also a nice emphasis on values like peace and caring for others. It's old-fashioned, peaceful (i.e., not as chaotic and loud as the public school where we were previously), warm and friendly. And the teachers/staff quite obviously cherish the children in their care.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been very happy at ARS. The community is friendly and the classes are small, so our daughter has received plenty of attention. Parents are involved. Parents staff the school's library and put on several events throughout the year. However, the school is very small, and so the total number of parents is not large to begin with. The building could use some aesthetic improvements, but the school has great proximity to Central Park.
—Submitted by a parent

Though academics don't seem particularly challenging here, ARS has an incredible art teacher and a fun gym teacher. Music has steadily improved. The principal has his vocal supporters; however, we found him unapproachable and patronizing--not a 'plus' for a tiny school.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought some of the reviews were way too harsh, then I saw they were from last year. Last year was tough for ARS. Several parents (thankfully they are gone!) set out to make everyone miserable. They almost succeeded. That's the disadvantage of a small school. A few bad apples can really cause some problems. Thankfully, the school has rebounded nicely. Pastor Merlin - simply the best. It is hard to imagine that anyone could care about the children more. Mr. Ary, the new principal, did a fine job replacing two beloved teachers that left at the end of the last year. Being new himself, he really deserves a lot of praise for finding two such qualified replacements. It's never easy to replace an adored teacher, let alone two, but Mr. Ary was able to find two excellent teachers who's personalities suit ARS.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at ARS since Kindergarten. The quality of education he gets is by far superior to almost all other children I know who are in private school. The Pastor is an amazing woman, and I don't give these compliments lightly. She is a role model for the parents as she is for the kids who simply adore her. As early as 1st grade my son tested the equivalent of 4th grade-6th month in the Stanford Achievement tests. This was attributed solely to his incredible teachers. If you get in, don't hesitate. If I was to do it again with a pick of any school I want, ARS would be it again. No doubt about it.
—Submitted by Negar Samii, a parent

Pass this one by. The pastor is outstanding and a few teachers are solid. However, the school has no money. Parent involvement is almost zero. The admission's officer is absolutely clueless. A school with potential that will never realize it because it is poorly run and the parents are AWOL.
—Submitted by a staff

AVOID! Several excellent teachers can't make up for a dingy, dark, dirty building run by an absolutely clueless administration. Add on to this an almost total lack of parental involvement, chronic financial problems and you have a poor academic enviroment for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

This has historically been an excellent, nurturing school with a solid, if materially limited, academic program which caters to children who thrive on structured environments. The music and art programs are excellent. I can't speak to gym. Parents can be as involved as they want to be. One great thing about the school that seems to be changing, however, is the broad mix of racial and socio-economic levels represented among the students.
—Submitted by a parent