P.S. 42 Eltingville

One of the best, if not the best school on the island. The principal runs a tight ship. Always involved in everything and if you have any problems the staff and teachers are all hands on
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely the best! Best envirement, best teachers, BEST PRINCIPAL!! I have 3 children,my oldest did not go to P.S.42,therefore I have some experience with other schools.My middle child graduated in June,with tears in his eyes on the last day of school.He went on to middle school ( I.S. 75) with Honors and Thanks to the wonderful teachers at P.S.42,he was well prepared.My youngest is now in 2nd grade,he struggles a bit in school,but has come such a long way,since kindergarten,once again,all my thanks to his wonderful teachers at PS 42...some may say this school is not their "cup of tea" for their own personal reasons,but I say," If you don't like it,change it." In closing,I will tell you "PS 42 IS ONE OF THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN STATEN ISLAND AND IT WILL BE A BITTER SWEET DAY,WHEN IT IS TIME FOR MY YOUNGEST TO MOVE ON TO MIDDLE SCHOOL."
—Submitted by a parent

This is my sons first year he is Kindergarten and he absolutely loves this school, teachers, lunch room ladies and everything that is apart of it. He has learned how to read :) and we couldnt have been happier with our choice of school. Everyone at PS 42 is amazing and are always happy to help with any concerns. Thank you to PS 42 for making his school experience so wonderful !
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S. 42 because all of the teachers are so nice and they really care about the kids. They make P.S. 42 a fun place to learn and my children look forward to going to school each day because they love their teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and staff treat my children like there own
—Submitted by a parent

Is a safe place with staff that really care about our kids education.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome principal and teachers....great school
—Submitted by a parent

PS 42 is a wonderful, warm school with the embrace of the community. Parents are welcomed and listened to by a fair,fun and effective principal. I have a first grader and a third grader who cry on the last day of school... too bad its not a k-12 :)
—Submitted by a parent

P.s 42 is an amazing school, not to mention the staff. The Principal Mr Sharkey is one of the most personable people I have ever met, and he has passed taht on to his other staff office workers, lunch helpers and teachers alike. He is the type of Principal every school should have. he calls and leaves messages to families on their V/M @ home just to say Thank You for whether it is for participating for showing our presence at mettings etc Our School deserves to be #1 for 2010
—Submitted by a parent

Staff and administration are very helpful. Children are respectful and appreciative.
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S. 42 because the teachers are just amazing. My son truly enjoys going to school everyday. They make them enjoy it, which is so important. They also do so many wonderful things there for the kids. I can't wait for my daughter to attend there as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S.42 because the staff and teachers are so nice and helpful. Three out of four of my children have gone to this school and we just love all the fun things they have and my children love going to school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children that go to ps 42... We are absolutely pleased... Our children are getting an excellent education... We would like to thank principal Sharkie for doing such an excellent job in the way he runs the school... AAA!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the first grade and we absolutely love P.S. 42. It is a very loving, caring environment with an emphasis on academics - all the while ensuring that learning is fun for the students. There are tons of extracurricular activites to choose from and an abundance of education trips scheduled throughout the year. Parents are very involved in the day to day, as is the principal, Mr. Sharkey, who I can't say enough nice things about. He is omnipresent at the school and well-respected/ liked not only in the school, but in the community. P.S. 42 truly is a great school and I would recommend it to any parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My daughter is in the third grade and her teacher, mrs. Ottomanelli, as well as the principals are very caring and willing to listen to parent's suggestions and comments. The principal comes into the classroom almost every day and are concerned about the children's needs. The only thing that is lacking is that they should still have art and music in 3rd grade and beyond
—Submitted by a parent

Granted I only have a child in kindergarten but all that I have seen and heard is exceptionally good.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the kindergarden class. His teacher is the most caring teacher i have seen. The principal and both assisstant principal are a blessing all the kids love them and they will stop everything they are doing just just to listen to what the parents and the kids have have to say. I am very thankful that my son goes to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now in the fourth grade at PS 42; we have been blessed with great teachers who have developed a love of reading and exploring. My husband and I reinforce whatever is being taught by the teachers at home. Mr. Sharkey is a great principal, he connects with the students as he was a student himself at PS 42. Whenever I have had questions about a test or homework, I send a note and the teacher calls me back that next day to discuss; this is great, as my husband and I both work full time jobs. I do wish there were more extracurricular activities available, and that gym was available daily instead of weekly. My son is in an advanced class, has solid 3s and 4s and I believe the great teaching atmosphere at PS 42 is greatly responsible for his success.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough about P.S. 42. My 28 yr old, 20yr old and now my 8 yr old attend and the school is as wonderful now as it was when the great Mrs. Doris Mimms ran it! Our kids are so lucky to have Mr. Sharkey at the helm!
—Submitted by Eileen, a parent

Although my child thoroughly enjoys going to school, she was extremely disappointed to find no art. I was also disappointed-coming from a private school to a public school, I always heard how much more public school has to offer academically as well as art programs.
—Submitted by a parent