Upper Nyack School

This school is mediocre and the principal, Dr. Anne Roberts, is a nigntmare. For example, one of the best teachers eventually was forced into retirement after her 2nd grade science curriculum was abandoned in order to spend time prepping for the 3rd grade ELA tests. It's all about getting scores up and not about what the children are really learning.
--Submitted by a parent

The faculty and staff and Upper Nyack have not failed to support the needs of my children. They are quick, creative, and effective.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children at Upper Nyack have had nothing but positive experiences at the school. Their teachers work to address their needs and particular academic levels, as different as they may be. I found my experience with the faculty to be pleasant and timely. My children receive monthly, if not weekly newsletters telling us what is going on in the classroom. There are many opportunities for parent involvement throughout the year. I disagree that the means of teaching are 'antiquated' especially considering the fact that most of the teachers have interactive whiteboards in their classrooms. My children have come home loving school and their teachers. Based on what they have learned during their years at Upper Nyack, I always felt that their days were filled with purposeful work and meaningful exercises.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to say that this but school has greatly disappointed me. I agree that the children come second to the faculty. I have 4 children in the school with one child have multiple learning problems. IEP meetings have gone ok if you want your child to be just 'ok.' The support staff lacks the proper training and their means of teaching and assessing a child's abilities are antiquated. Lastly, I know that I'm not alone in my thinking. The district needs to be held responsible.
--Submitted by a parent

After nearly two years at UNE, the nicest thing I can say about it is that it appears to have a lot of untapped potential. The community is comprised of many caring parents who want something better for their child but are unsure how to enact the necessary changes for it to become a truly good school. Like many public schools, the majority of teachers are serious and dedicated, however on the administrative side, the school is an odd mix of rigid policy combined with stunning disorganization. Many of these policies seem to be designed to benefit the teachers and staff rather than the students, with the best interest of the children considered only after those of the faculty and budget. Their 'free' time (recess and lunch) are severely curtailed, and yet the rest of the day often seems filled with busy work and meaningless exercises.
--Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers are first rate, and that is doubly so for the art and music teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children go to Upper Nyack Elementary school. They have had many wonderful classroom teachers and have loved all of their specials teachers. The school could certainly have more extracurricular activities and I wish there was more class to home communication. The teachers could all use their emails more. The occassional email saying 'Your child had a good week' or 'don't forget to study for big social studies test Fri' would be much appreciated. Certainly teachers are busy, but I have been involved in other schools where this is common practice.
--Submitted by a parent

The kindergarten classes at Upper Nyack elementary are excellent. The teachers truly care about each child, and are extremely creative. Parents are very involved which adds to the school's success. The diversity is an added bonus to the school. I can only hope we will be just as happy with the next grades.
--Submitted by a parent

An excellent school - wonderful teachers and staff. A terrific experience and a great education. Diverse atmosphere. Very parent friendly, welcoming - mostly wonderful parents.
--Submitted by Gloria Fleming, a parent

An excellent school with highly professional and nurturing teachers.