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GreatSchools Rating

P.S. 88 Seneca

Public | PK-5 | 1059 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 7 ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

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25 reviews of this school


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Posted January 6, 2013

I am a fifth grader in p.s88 it is a great school i will graduate this year. this the best school ever.the teachers are great. even though we have no recess its better because we don't wast time like other school they have Greater Ridgewood and other programs like the recreatinal program chorus, newspaper and lawclub. Bulling is not permited. the only thing is that the lunch stinks. I am sure that if you went there you will be succsesful.


Posted October 5, 2012

My son graduated from this school in 2011. This school is terrible, educational level is very low, my child didn't learn much. He went to very good middle school totally unprepared, he was way behind other kids and needed to catch up a lot. There is absolutely no communication between parents and teachers. I am glad that my son is done with this school and doesn't have to go back there :-)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 17, 2012

I have never heard of an elementary school that doesn't have recess. My son is only six and is expected to sit from 8 in the morning until two in the afternoon and they wonder why their test scores are bad. Studies..and common sense...show that young children need physical activity to help them learn and focus. I am heartbroken that this is my zoned school. My bright and creative child is starting to hate school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 16, 2011

VERY DISAPPOINTED MY DAUGTHER IS IN SECOND GRADE SHE DOESNT HAVE A LOT HOMEWORK AND THE TEACHER DOESNT HAVE NOT PATIENCE WITH THE KIDS SINCE THE SCHOOL STARTED IM BEEN ASKING THE TEACHER HOW MY DAUGTHER IS DOING AND SHE SAID THE EVERYTHING IS OK BUT WHEN I CHECK THE REPORT CARD IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT IS LIKE SHE DONT CARE ABOUT THE KIDS VERY IM REALLY CONCERN
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 10, 2011

Love this school!!! The teachers are great and so are the principal and the vice principals.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 27, 2011

I am extremely disappointed with this school. First of all the kindergartens are allowed to walk to class by themselves. There is a very rude Security Guard that sits on a stool doing nothing but yelling at the kids and parents just because you are trying to make sure your child made it to class okay. The classes are often overcrowded and filled with teachers who have no real compassion to teach. There is one field trip a year, only one gym class if you're lucky a week and not much too often in the extracurricular activities. The kids just sit there hour after hour supposedly learning. My son is only 6 in the first grade and he Hates School!! Thanks to the unconcerned principal and teachers! Way too go PS 88.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 26, 2011

I thought ps 88 was a pretty good school despite that over the years it seems to have declined a bit not what it used to be and there testing scores have gone down even notice that they are behind in class work compared to other schools in the area but the great teachers they had made up for it until my son needed special education services it has been a nightmare no one there is able to help or willing to work with you once your child has special needs teachers begin to quickly turn there back on kids that have education issues and the school would rather get your kid out to another school then take the time to set up the best educational plan for the child you need learn the laws and education process to be able to advocate for your child when it comes to dealing with ps 88 or they will pull a fast one on you
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 12, 2011

First the kids are made to wait out in the yard for their teachers even in the winter. Something I did not do because I'm not making my kids wait half an hour outside in 20 degree weather for a teacher. Second the gym teachers act like they're running a boot camp, threatening to fail kids just because they might be unprepared a whole *3* times out of 200 days of the school year. Third, most of all the teachers are less than enthusiastic about their jobs. One teacher even told my child that he shouldn't bring his advanced study book with him because "he shouldn't know that yet". Only a very small handful know and like what they're doing, the rest unfortunately either cannot handle the kids or don't know enough about their respective subjects to teach them. Both my kids came to me telling me that they learn better with me, with NO training in teaching, than they do in school. However, the one incident that sealed the deal was when my kid was attacked, defended himself and the counselor had the audacity to imply that he was wrong to do so, that he should have gotten up and "talked" about it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 8, 2011

My daughter is in 2 grade. I used to be happy with her school, but lately I have a lot of concerns. Her class is huge 30 children, she get very little homework. They never go on any trips, the teacher keeps telling the kids that she is tierd. There is no airconditioner in the class, and with temepratures hitting 90+ the kids are miserable. You need to keep in touch with the teacher!!!! They will never call you. I have a tutor for my child becouse she is being neglected in the classroom. Too many children and a very tired teacher.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 7, 2011

My son attended this school since kindergarden. At first it was a really great experience. Until about the third grade. Once the Principal Ms China left, this school has taken a real turn for the worse. My son hardly ever gets homework. His class was 4 units behind in math than other 5th grade classes of friends that went to other schools. I finally got his class changed but only after i could provide proof of the issues. So now i have to hire a tutor to help him catch up and prepare for 6th grade. I feel like no matter who you go to for help, you are always met with "No". Unless you are part of the clique, the parent/teacher coordinator, who is suppose to advocate for the parents, is the least helpful. I really wished I would have pulled him out of this school earlier. My sister has thankfully transferred my nephew out. If your child must go to this school because of the zone, you have to pay clsoe attention to the progress (or lack of) in your child's education. Stay very very present & active and be prepared to fight for your child's education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 20, 2010

My older daughter graduated this school this year and my younger one is in 3rd grade, so I've been with this school for almost 7 years. This school is great, the teachers are fantastic. I recommend this school to the people who what to achieve something in there lives.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 17, 2010

My daughter hasn't begun attending this school. I'm very concerned that it has NO ARTS or MUSIC curriculum. This is an elementary school when kids need that kind of stuff as much as any other subject. The people who work there have so far, been nothing but kind and helpful so I can't complain about that.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 26, 2010

This school is wonderful she has a great teacher to engourge her
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2009

Its a really good school,and gives my child all the attention he needs
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 4, 2009

This will be my daughters last year and she will be on her way to JHS. I am pleased with the Education she is recieving here and will truly miss the teachers and Principal from PS 88. Everyone here shows so much interest in the childs education. The staff is great as well as the Teachers and Principal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 16, 2008

The principal and all of her staff work together like a well oiled machine.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 14, 2008

this school is the best and has very good teachers and support staff and they stimulate the parents to participate with the school activities and good workshop. to guide our kids for a good future.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 28, 2008

Principal isn't the best. She don't know how solve the problem, she only yell, but i like the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 9, 2008

This school has wonderful and caring teachers, tha staff are friendly and helpful. My daughter has always been happy with her teachers as am I.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 25, 2008

The princepal isn't the best.She yells at us.But the teachers are great. i liked it better when dr.m was princepal.But send your kids their it is a nice school.
—Submitted by a student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2012.

151 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
52%
Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

153 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
55%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

185 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
51%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

188 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
64%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2011.

149 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
78%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

154 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
49%
Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

157 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
66%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

In 2009-2010, this school was given a grade of "C" for the elementary school level.

About the tests


Progress Report Grades measure the school's contribution to student learning in three areas: School Environment, Student Performance and Student Progress. Schools can receive additional credit for achieving exemplary performance progress among high-needs students. Progress Report Grades range from A to F.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York City Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 53% 21%
White 37% 51%
Asian/Pacific Islander 7% 8%
Black 2% 19%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 79%N/A44%
Limited English proficient 17%N/A7%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A13
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Fewer than 3 years experience 4%N/A10%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree and above 53%N/A33%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Teachers with no valid teaching certificate 1%N/A5%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

60-85 Catalpa Ave
Ridgewood, NY 11385
Phone: (718) 821-8121

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