P.S. 56 the Louis Desario School

There is nothing special about this school. It's in a nice neighborhood and that's about it. I have two children there, one in kindergarten and the other in 3rd grade. There are no options for working parents as far as after school programs, getting on the waiting list for OST is nearly impossible as they never answer the phone nor do they return messages. There is also no Eagle program for advanced students. Every week they send home letters asking for money or supplies or both. It's frustrating as a single parent trying to give my children the best and having no support. I agree with the other parents that felt their office staff is rude, they are. They have absolutely no compassion. My son's teacher called me at work because he wasn't working fast enough! He's in his second month of kindergarten! They have dances with no snack or drinks (where did the $5 per child go?). This school made me regret moving here and has made life harder both financially and emotionally.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree also that the children of the PTA moms do get special treatment.One time at the book sale,I saw that kids whose mothers were on the PTA had the most popular books put aside for them so that they were sure to get them.And,at the plant sale,the PTA moms put the best flowers and plants aside for themselves.And it also amazes me how it is always a PTA moms kid that wins the awards.The Principal is very caring,the assistant principal I barely notice,the office secretaries are nosey and rude,and the Parent/Teacher Coordinator thinks she runs the school.Most of the teachers are good but,some could be better.The school is mostly kept clean except for the bathrooms,my kids have told me that they are filthy and they will not use them.Overall it's an okay school but,nothing to brag about.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed in this school even though my children are doing well. There is no paid latchkey program here and to get into the UAU FREE program with only 120 seats is almost next to impossible. There is no support for working mothers. I have yet to get my child in Girl Scouts at the school for 3 yrs now. Every year I call and am told she is next on the list. The doors do not open till 8, there are no options before that. I have been up at the school several times this years and the children are loud, rude and running around. The teachers don't tell them not to behave that way and neither do the parents. I went up for a breakfast with students and parents in which kids were freely running all over and it was acceptable. The faculty is afraid of parents and the squeaky wheel gets the grease here. I'm not happy and looking into other schools for September as I want my children in a more controlled environment and where the favorite PTA moms children always get the best of everything and the working moms children get the shaft.
—Submitted by a parent

I transferred my children here from PS 3 because I found that 3 was not academically rigorous. I am extremely impressed by the teachers at PS 56. My children are engaged and are being challenged on a daily basis, which leads to their academic growth. Mrs. DeRose stands out as a wonderful and caring assistant principal and there is a strong PTA. The school is also kept very clean. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

my grandson goes there and he is learning so much,the teachers r wonderful and the school is kept so clean. he loves to go, does not give a problem. so they must be something right
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is very involved and considerate of the children.
—Submitted by a parent

P.S56 is my favorite elementry school. My son graduated with great grades and I have to thank the wonderful teachers he had. My daughter is a 4th grader and is doing well. All the para's are helpful, and the PTA try their hardest to raise money for the school. Thank you P.S56 and Mr. Scali for wonderful memories!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff and very nice.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a great school, wonderful teachers and staff!
—Submitted by a parent

i would be glad to vote :)
—Submitted by a parent

My Son Learn So much....I'm suprise, teachers are great, take time their time. So far....Love this school
—Submitted by a parent

I think the teachers my son has had in his ,now, 5 years there, have taught him wonderfully and he enjoyed going there.I never felt that they lack on any teaching in any area and if help was needed it was always offered.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a PS 56 since its opening in 1998. I will now watch my 3rd and final child graduate. My children had one wonderful teacher after the other. My older children still some and visit their teachers with fond memories.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school with great parents wonderful programs, and a helpful staff...
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter feels at home, the teachers are wonderful and there is great communication.
—Submitted by a parent

Great program, excellent teachers/staff...Very happy on this school
—Submitted by a parent

it is an excellent school
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S. 56 because each individual student is treated with such care.

It's the best school of New York! My son Nelson attended PS56 until two weeks ago... we moved to Italy ten days ago... because I have a breast cancer and I came here for the support of my family and for the medical care. The only thing that I miss so much... it's PS56, more than my house. It's a best place to learn and grow up! Lisa
—Submitted by a parent

They take the kids safety very seriously.
—Submitted by a parent