Putnam Valley Elementary School

Great school that cares about their kids! The other children are very friendly as well. Our daughter was very uncertain about starting a new school after our move, but came back from her first day so excited that should could not wait to go back. That was two years ago and she has loved it every day since!
—Submitted by a parent

Every year my son comes home from his first day of school more and more excited about learning. PV Elementary has a strong focus on reading and has inspired my son to explore and learn more on his own.
—Submitted by a parent

Putnam Valley education is extraordinary.As a parent I am very pleased with my children education.
—Submitted by a parent

Uninspired to say the least. Pathetic after school programs. Teaching to the test to get a paycheck...period.
—Submitted by a parent

The biggest problem with PV Elementary is that scholastic achievement is not encouraged. Students in the classroom who are disruptive aren't disciplined properly (and there are quite a few) and consequently, others are quite distracted and resentful. Homework is sort of an afterthought and kids aren't academically oriented and encouraged. In addition..as a result of some of these outbursts and sometimes, downright dangerous threats and behavioral issues on the part of other students, some of my children have had their safety seriously compromised. The district takes a very 'politically correct' approach to discipline of students threatening physical danger. In addition to these facts, the schools blind consistency of following the,'No child left behind Law' has resulted in many children being left behind academically
—Submitted by a parent

We love your daughters school! They are very open and caring, they reassure you about your childs progress. you can stop by anytime and not feel like you are intruding.. the teachers actually want you there to be apart of you childs learning experience.
—Submitted by a parent

The biggest problem with PV Elementary is that scholastic achievement is not encouraged. Students in the classroom who are disruptive aren't disciplined properly (and there are quite a few) and consequently, others are quite distracted and resentful. Homework is sort of an afterthought and kids aren't academically oriented and encouraged. In adition..as a result of some of these outbursts and sometimes, downright dangerous threats and behavioral issues on the part of other students, some of my children have had their safety seriously compromised. The district takes a very 'politically correct' approach to discipline of sutudents threatening physical danger, and as a result, It's made my kids, in various age groups, feel 'unsafe'There is a poor record with safety.
—Submitted by a parent

Putnam Valley School District in general is trending positively. They have made some major improvements in curriculum & excurricular activities. They have one of the most active/involved PTA's, greatly enhancing the school experience for the children. Additionally, all children need to be challenged.
—Submitted by a parent

We are disappointed with the education our children are receiving in PV. There seems to be a heavy emphasis on children with special needs and little attention paid to those who excel. Our chief complaint is that the expectations for all are just too low. While we have had some of the kindest teachers around, there is a difference between kind and skilled. The principal has a hands off (almost aloof)approach. Building relationships does not seem to be part of her repertoire. The leadership on a district level has changed in the past few years as has the curriculum. At first the focus was on raising test scores, then reading and writing, curriculum mapping and now technology. Perhaps, they should focus on one thing and get it right before jumping to another.
—Submitted by a parent