Middle School 243 Center School

I absolutely love everything about the Center School. My daughter just graduated June 2011 and my son is currently an 8th grader. If they could continue their high school years at Center School, they would. Students enjoy being there every day. Teachers are amazingly helpful, involved and well appreciated. Ms. Schwartz, Director of Center School is also amazing. She knows each student by their first name and it s not because they re in trouble, it s because she is in tuned to each child s academic performance. Parents are totally involved. I have not met one single parent that had or has anything negative to say about the Center School. If you were to ask any parent what would they change about Center School, they would probably say nothing or would really need to think about the question. Outstanding school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of the Center School and I plan on sending my daughter there when she's in the 5th grade. Out of all of my school years the Center School left the biggest impression on me. It's not one of those big schools where you get lost in the shuffle and your teacher doesn't know your name. It's a community... it's a family. I recently saw one of the teachers on the train, she's still teaching at the school and she remembered me (10+ years since I graduated). In fact half of the teachers that were their when I was attending are still there. If that doesn't tell you a little something about the teacheers there I don't kow what does.
—Submitted by a parent

Every day I'm thankful that my children (7th grader and 5th grader) are at the Center School. They continue to receive a steller education and exposure to things that rival many of the elite private schools. I'm convinced that any child who is willing to be challenged will come through their program a shining star!
—Submitted by a parent

The Center School is easily the worst school in the city. It claims to be a 'community' but is hardly one. Do your child a favor and do not send them to this horrendous school.
—Submitted by a student

We have sent all three of our children to Center School and they have received an outstanding education from a faculty that is creative and attends to the most important aspects of education, engagement and competence. All three of our children have been prepared and made it into the specialized high schools both science and the La Guardia. This small community really offers a private school education in a public school. The kids and adults make it a wonderfully loving community. You're lucky if you get the chance for your child to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently an eigth grader at the Center School and there is no doubt in my mind that this school should go first on your list. This school has the absolute best principal in the city and a funloving facilty. The principal knows the names of every student in the school, likewise, the students know all of their classmates. The curriculum is incredibly unique. I am currently taking an accelerated literature class where we are, at the moment, reading Henry James AND taking a class about allegories incorporated in superhero movies, where I watched 'Iron Man.' I have to admit, I'd say 5% of the student body does not love the school, but the other 95% adore it. The Center School prepared me very well and I am applying to the upmost presigious high schools in the city like Stuyvesant High. Dumb, smart, everyone has a friend and does well.
—Submitted by a student

Have had two kids attend and they've more than enjoyed it at the same time received very good educations.
—Submitted by a parent

We are current 8th graders at the center school. We love it so much! it has helped us grow into wonderful young adults. I would send all your kids to Center School.
—Submitted by a student

My 6th grader is excited to go to school almost every day! Teachers are smart, creative, nurturing and incredibly supportive of individual students needs. Student/teacher ratio 13 - 1. My son has a strong sense of belonging to this community and has great pride in his association with this terrific school. He's loving Latin and Literature!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with a principal and teachers who understand the idiosyncrasies of educating children in this age group.
—Submitted by a parent

I am completely and utterly dissatified with the Center School. My son(who just transfered from P.S.84) sa he is scared be the amount of violence at the Center School.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just completed her first year at Center School, a transfer from PS 87. Not only was the quality of instruction more than I had hoped for but the faculty imparts the most important elements of education.. curiosity and engagement. Nothing else really matters. If your child is not excited and motivated by their instructors, then no school can succeed. The Center School delivers on those levels far beyond expectations. I would give it the very highest ranking.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter spent two and a half years at Center, and we lamented when a move from NY took her away from the school. It is a truly wonderful place: simultaneously rigorous, supportive, and creative. I've never seen a school where the parents and teachers are so committed to the mission of the school. We miss it still!
—Submitted by Madeleine Robins, a parent

An extraordinary middle school--and those are rare. Elaine Schwartz, the Director, has created a perfect transition from elementary to high school, with a lot of support, and a central base in writing of all kinds and arts of all kinds as well as literature, math, science, and social studies.
—Submitted by a parent