Marsh Avenue School for Expeditionary Learning

I have a child that is currently attending MAELS and he absolutely loves it and so do I. He was lucky enough to be the only child from his elementary school to get picked this year and though he was nervous and didn't know anyone, the staff,teachers and aides have helped make his transition into middle school a much easier one. As a parent I love the level of involvement of the principal and the openness of the school which gives parents the opportunity to experience expeditionary learning first hand. A great choice for any child that is lucky enough to make it in!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I recently graduated from this school and I was heartbroken because I missed it so much! We all felt like a family, one of the perks of it being a small school. I loved it so much there and I plan on returning for visits whenever I can! They had a special way of teaching that made every single student all get to learn and understand the lesson. If you were still confused with something, they made time for you to help you with it. Every teacher cares so much about each and every one of their students. It was a very loving and caring environment, making you feel more comfortable to learn and ask questions. I know that to me, no other school I will attend can ever live up to what I experienced at Marsh. They also prepared me for high school, making it seem less scary to leave. On the last day of school of 8th grade, we all stood in a circle and counted down the minutes. We ended up staying an extra half hour there just to cry and say our goodbyes. I will never forget this school for as long as i live. I truly loved attending Marsh Avenue! And you will NOT regret sending your child[ren] there! :)

i am a soon to be student at this school i would like to come here because of the previous views i have read and also because i have been told this is a good school i look forward to being a student here and I'm sure i would be satisfied in this school

I have to say, that to say this school is very different is not enough. Everyone I have met from administrators to teachers are very young. They have no children of their own and therefore have no personal experience or knowledge as to what it is to raise a child. The promise of working individually with your child is not true. This school has children from all the different neighborhoods in Staten Island. Kids do not feel welcome, they are not taught acceptance and team work. This school has no control over their yellow buses and therefore lots of kids fight and get hurt on the buses and the school tells you to call the bus company with any and all issues you might have. A lot of students, after completing the 6th grade, do not come back to this school. I would love for them to let us contact parents and students in private before we apply for this lottery to find out what this school is about. Do your research, listen to other parents. This school is not what it looks like!!!!!!!!! My child is not coming back next year.
—Submitted by a parent

There are not enough words to express how I feel about MAELS and my daughter is only in the 6th grade. This is one school that you actually know that your child is learning everything and anything that they offer. The teaching method in MAELS maybe odd to people but this hands on learning is the greatest thing ever. They teach all their students that no matter what subject they learn always effects their everyday life and their futures. The principal, teachers, and the staff all around make you feel like you are home and you are always welcomed. This is the ONLY school that I have had a principal get back to me on National Holiday to answer my questions. I am so grateful that MAELS is unlike every other Junior High School on Staten Island.
—Submitted by a parent

This is wonderful school. Students have a voice in thier learning experience. Students are able to explore concepts through hands on projects. Very dedicated teachers are what make this school work. The school does need more parents to get involved rather than sit back and be Monday quarterbacks.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the 6 grade, and I have to say that this is the first school that I have encountered that actually teaches. i am very happy with the teachers, and the office staff. Everyone makes you feel welcome. My daughter is doing GREAT!! Thank you , I almost went into shock when I realized that you can always e-mail a teacher if you have a question or a problem. That was foreign to me, but i have to say that it was a breath of fresh air, and they actually get back to you. Go figure !!!! .I LIVE FAR FROM THE SCHOOL AND i HAVE TO SAY THAT IT IS WORTH THE COMMUTE. THANK YOU
—Submitted by a parent

A Great School And Very Different than Most Schools in Staten Island. I am A student there and it's great!

Different way of teaching but it works for children who are not as motivated as others!
—Submitted by a parent