Eleanor Roosevelt High School

This school is on par with many private schools--I would say better in terms of the kids who, at least to me, seem more down-to-earth than at many private schools in NYC. It is a clean, safe environment with strong academics, an engaged PTA, supportive teachers and great kids. No school is perfect, but the principal is outstanding and teachers, parents, and students feel they are part of a vibrant community. The academic program is traditional so if your kid is looking for a progressive curriculum, this is not the place for him/her. On the other hand, those looking for solid courses with a fairly predictable selection of classes, will be satisfied. My child loves the school and that is what is most important to me.
—Submitted by a parent

Elro does not give 5 hours of homework a night. The principal has limited homework to 1/2 hour per night per academic course, for a total of about 2 1/2 hours per night. Over Thanksgiving break, teachers were not allowed to assign more than 1 night of homework. This is a school for hardworking students, but the homework load, while heavy, is not excessive. My son is a senior, not a super hard worker, and he loves this place. The teachers are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

This exact post re "Going Mentally Mad" is why our son w/our support chose not to go to ER. We had discussed this issue w/several parents of ER students and decided that the excessive pressure wasn't about learning but cramming and status seeking. Parents are beginning to lobby against all this overload that our kids have in the evenings and on weekends. This applies to private as well as public schools Let your voices be heard! 5 hours of homework each night does not make our kids smarter, just exhausted and burned out.
—Submitted by a parent

The work load and extended school day puts WAY too much pressure on the students to achieve what the teachers expect of us. Speaking for us all, the schedule and work load needs to be made with regard that each student has a life, and extracurriculers to attend. 5 hours of homework and a LONG school day is too much on us all. Going mentally mad!
—Submitted by a student

Leadership is key and Mr. Saliani is an outstanding leader. He has a good working knowledge of teaching and diplomacy - he has been known to prepare some of the lunchroom specials. The school environment reflects the involvement and interest of all the staff and students together.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school in terms of academics, social outreach and leadership displayed by its principal, Mr. Saliani. My son loves going to school every morning and comes home motivated to achieve.
—Submitted by a parent

Very high academic standards. The teachers are excellent, and they really care about their students.
—Submitted by a parent

The students have only to gain with an excellent teachers and staff. Extraordinary environment to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Because it has prepared me so much for college. Because it has amazing teacher who do amazing work everyday. Because ELRO is the best!
—Submitted by a student

It's vibe is amazing. It's small, it's trendy, and all the students are very close. Plus the school has a LOT of money and blows it on cool stuff like class sets of iTouches and motion-sensing towel dispensers. But the school is great and the teachers are awesome. Lucky if you go here, missing out if you don't!
—Submitted by a student

The teachers and staff are excellent, the students are all friendly and kind, and it's the best learning environment in all of NYC
—Submitted by a student

It is such a great school. the staff and the teachers are excellent and the courses are very well decided and the way the teachers teach the courses are to the point.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is on a par with many private schools in NYC and requires work to excel. Those students and parents who believe a school should listen to all the excuses and accept them, should not apply to this school. The students here have a real focus on achievement vs games. Students leave this school with an extraordinary education and to date every graduating class has a 100% acceptance rate at college. Ms Elliot, who has moved to another school has done an outstanding job in creating a public school the city can be proud of.
—Submitted by a parent

Eleanor Roosevelt is a very good school. Though I did not much enjoy my freshman and sophomore years, I'm loving my junior year. I think the opinion you have of the school has alot to do with the teachers you get. I've been particularly lucky, but overall I find most of the teachers to be excellent as well as very understanding and caring to the students. I think the atmosphere of the school has really changed since Ms.Elliot left. Ms.Elliot was a brilliant woman and the founding principal of the school. But unfortunately because of her hand in the creation of the school, she could see no flaws. But now with Mr.Saliani at the helm, everyone seems to be generally happier. He gives a more casual atmosphere to the school and has worked very hard at revamping the programs and exciting school spirit. Right now, I love El-Ro.
—Submitted by a student

I have never received such an attitude from any school. The teachers, when I asked them to maybe e-mail me about homework, all said, in different words, that my daughter should know her homework, and that there was no reason for me to know it. When my daughter s phone rang at 3:05 in the hallway, the principal refused to allow her to keep it-OVER VACATION. I was out of town on work, and sent my daughter and her 19 year old brother with a note from me to the office to get the phone back, and not even when I spoke to her on the phone did she allow us to have it. My daughter comes home, talking to me about teachers fired from previous jobs for inappropriate behavior, and she tells me that she and some of her friends feel uncomfortable in certain a class. Ms. Elliott, the principal, of
—Submitted by a parent

My child has flourished in this school. The coursework gets increasingly more difficult in the upper grades but the support is there for motivated students. The leadership is confident and accessible. The number of electives is growing and the athletics are becoming stronger. The arts program is small but it serves many students very well. All in all, a terrific place to spend the high school years.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is ideal for preparing students for the future. Moreover, this high school is known for being college bound and the courses this school offers is a testament of that. In addition, there is great school spirit and everybody is motivated to work. When one is failing or doing poorly, teachers are quick to point that out and make sure that person reach his or her's potential. Overall, this school is ideal for people who want to be successful.
—Submitted by a parent

I really didn't like going to this high school. The school cares way too much about student's lateness but they don't care to ask about why the student is late, just that they shouldn't be late. They never ask about the student's well being and they just never seem to care about the actual student. The school is very boring and plain, there is no personality. There are about three or four teachers that I've liked over the years and about 30 or 40 that I've hated. The administration is very rude and really needs to change the interaction that they have with the students.
—Submitted by a student

This is my son's first year and I am delighted with the school. The academics are difficult, but there is support available for any struggling student, before, during and after school. Assistance with the subject in question is either provided by the teachers themselves, or through a peer tutor. The Principal is great, totally committed and involved in everything. The teachers are motivated and according to my son 'interesting' .There are progress reports in-between marking periods which help a parent stay on top of their child's progress. The students are friendly, and there is a team spirit which is contagious. If you are looking for a small nurturing environment, with great academic, wonderful staff, and a great bunch of students, Eleanor Roosevelt is for you.
—Submitted by Erin, a parent

I think the fact that in 2006 the very first senior class graduated from 'ELRO' and EVERY SINGLE GRADUATING STUDENT (except one who chose a different path) was accepted to college, says it all! The academics are excellent, with as many AP courses and other advanced options (some for college credit) as is feasible in a small school, plus other options: Forensics, Videography, a great music program, an incredible art curriculum, and many advanced courses and clubs. The teachers are superb, with excellent credentials, high levels of motivation and willingness to work with the students. The halls are impeccably clean: a remarkable phenomenon of respect. Many sports, some already in advanced PSAL divisions, and lots more. The PTA is active and supports the school with a variety of activities. You WANT your student to go to ELRO; these kids often compete academically just for fun, and the education compares to some private schools.
—Submitted by a parent