The Park School

One thing's for sure -- Park School lives up to its reputation: It's an unabashedly left wing, progressive school. They have a great art program, terrific strings program, nice campus, warm community traditions -- and it really is a progressive, experiential education (with lots of social activism and political correctness along the way) . The culture is not one that fosters high achievement -- the freedom to fail is exercised pretty regularly amongst the student body. The facilities and campus need money badly, but it's pretty clear that there's not much of that to go around. Our kids had some wonderful teachers though -- teachers that truly cared, and taught them so much through real, hands-on education. We aren't there any more, but we were happy with the education they got, especially in the lower school.
--Submitted by a parent

Park is appropriate for a certain kind of student. The naturally competetive student, for whom intellectual challenge and rigor are necessary components of a healthy academic setting, might be happier at Nichols or Buffalo Seminary, at least for Upper School. Its size, financial troubles, and 'weird' progressive reputation are significantly hindering, and damage students' sense of pride in their school. Park is, however, the best coeducational day school in the Buffalo area for the student who needs a supportive community to excell. You can be successful at Park, but to do so you need to pave your own road.
--Submitted by a student

My 3 year old is at Park and we find the attention on him and his education wonderful. Its a beautiful campus and we feel very fortunate that he is there
--Submitted by a parent

Park School has been an amazing place for my children and my family. Our children love going to school and are being taught with care and compassion that public school lack. The project-based learning has given them a wider perspective on all subjects. At the open house we attended we were very pleased with the students we met and realized that when children are given the chance to be who they are without criticism they open their minds! The teaching staff is professional, loving and show real care in the individual child. The campus is beautiful and is is fully used in their education. Proof of the inportance of developing the character of the whole child is evident in every play, sporting game and assembly. Park kids are more social, educated and prepared for adulthood. We are extremely pleased with our choice of Park School.
--Submitted by a parent

I've sent two sons to the only progressive school in Western New York--they were both well-served by this wonderful school. My older son was inspired to go into teaching after graduating from Park. He went on to get a master's degree in early childhood education, and now is head teacher for 3 and 4-year-olds at a preschool in Brooklyn. My younger son is a senior at Park, president of student government, full of ideas and strongly motivated to go on to college next year. By the way, my husband, a successful attorney with his own office, is a proud graduate of The Park School. We always say we wish every child could go to a school like Park, where the teachers really get to know students as individuals, challenging, encouraging and supporting them at every turn.
--Submitted by a parent

Park School is a place where students are engaged in active learning. My children enjoy going to school each day. The learning is fun, they are required to think and be creative, and the community is a happy and accepting place. As a result, my children are enthusiastic about learning and feel confident in who they are. There is no pressure for kids to conform, so they can march to the beat of their own drummer. Park School does not participate in the battery of NYS tests, so learning does not grind to a halt for test preparation. My kids write a lot, and I am glad that the school emphasizes this skill. The campus is beautiful, the faculty are appropriately demanding, and the students are down-to-earth. I can't imagine sending my kids anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Great Park Community. Creative, fun learning. Great for college prep. I love it!
--Submitted by a parent

Check out the Park difference for yourself- you won't be disappointed. Park is the only progressive school in the area where student support and active learning trumps all.
--Submitted by a parent

The individualized attention my children have received at Park has made a difference in their lives. They are excited about going to school and look forward to the thoughtful discussions in class. The college process has been relatively painless with the college counselor holding my hand since 9th grade on the road to finding the right fit college for my eldest child.
--Submitted by a parent

The Park School exemplifies the essence of a progressive education, particularly in the lower school. The emphasis on 'outdoor' education presents students with a broader perspective on how knowledge is acquired. This experience sets the foundation in developing a love of 'life long learning.'
--Submitted by a parent