Baylis Elementary School

I have put three children thru this school, so I feel I have a pretty good understanding of it. For the most part, the teachers are very good. The biggest problem with the school, and the district as a whole, is that they refuse to acknowledge and deal with problems. Their overall attitude is that "those things don't happen here" and they prefer to ignore them than take responsibility for dealing with them. Bullying is a big problem in this school. You have the have's the have not's and the wanna have's and they are the worst. This schools part of Syosset is largely populated with the wanna have's. They judge everyone on what they are wearing and how big their house is. Bullying is widespread beginning in the lower grades. The school and district refuse to address the issues directly (with parents of kids involved) but take a more general approach-hanging anti bullying signs in the lunchroom. The overpriced superintendent will not speak directly to parents. She does not respond to letters. Strong lack of professionalism.
--Submitted by a parent

The school district is excellent, much better than average, and so is the school. The principal, though, seems to be running her own show and creating new rules as she pleases. Regarding kids' birthdays, for instance, parents can deliver a cake but not take part of the festivities. There are bathrooms for boys, young men and men (the same applies for females) and, unless you are familiar with the school and are aware of the various possibilities, you end up in the wrong bathroom and gets in trouble with the principal. Facilities: there is a lot that needs to be fixed, but nothing is done, even though the school district is very wealthy. Finally, the whole education system is state/national tests score oriented. However, language programs are great and the child does end up learning. The final evaluation is good.
--Submitted by a parent

I had two children go to Baylis and they received a great education. While there is occassionally a not-great teacher, the vast majority are excellent - especially the enrichment teacher. I give a lot of credit to the principal for maintaining a well run school. The PTA is also extremely involved and provides a lot of programs for the kids & families. The school building could use some updating (it's 50 years old) and it doesn't have a cafeteria where kids can buy lunch. Overall all though I am very pleased with the education my children received both academically and socially.
--Submitted by a parent

Baylis is a good school provided the student is a typical child without any learning difficulties. Although the principal's main focus is to do great in test scores, typical children do have a relatively better education than most schools in the neighboring districts. However, if the child has any learning difficulties, the staff is not cooperative, communication between parent-teacher is minimal (if any) and the school psychologist is not sympathetic with needs of special education children.
--Submitted by a parent

I currently have three children that attend Baylis elementary (2,3, and 5). I feel that the teachers are wonderful and they work hard to meet the needs of the students. The PTA is phenomenal and parents have a chnace to be part of their children's education
--Submitted by a parent