GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
I went there from 3rd-8th grade; in the 2nd 8th grade class to graduate.Academics weren't as good as they could have been.The kids were out of control.Pencils & erasers were thrown in classrooms; food&OPEN milk cartons were thrown in the lunchroom.The students didn't care about learning; the teachers didn't care about motivating them.There were 2-3 fights a year.The bullies did what they wanted.If victims got tired of teachers not stopping bullies&tried to get bullies to stop themselves, the victims got in trouble, not bullies.One teacher even helped the bullies avoid punishment.Detention&suspension motivated the bad kids to cause more trouble.This is a bad school.If you're a parent&want to stay in the school district I suggest Joe Greenburg K-8.The academics are far better; they were number 1 in the city.They teach motivation.They have more control over the bad kids.If public schools aren't for you, do homeschooling.Join Scout troops/karate if you're worried about your kids not being socialized.If you can afford it, a private school with small classes.Small classes don't form cliques or bully each other.I hated going to school as a kid; don't put your child through the same thing.
My daughter, among my 5 children that have attended Decatur, is in Mrs. Coyle's 6th grade class and it is the first time I have ever seen her motivated and so excited to go to school. Many of the parents in this particular class agree that there is a big difference in our children's work habits and that this teacher and staff this year is a refreshment to Decatur. Excellent school.
My three c hildren attended Stephen Decatur School, I find it to be one of the best elementary schools in Northeast, Philadelphia. I can testify that my children are products of great early childhood education. Mr. Conners is a great principal. I was a very involved parent and my relaionship with the teachers was magnificent. I now can boast a 22yr old college graduate, a 17 year soon to be high school graduate and a 13 year old A student. Thank you Stephen Decatur.
I have found that if you have any issues with this school or if issues arise surrounding your child, they are not willing to help you...they want to do what is best for the teachers and the school, and not the child as what was stated in an earlier post. I will say that a lot of the staff are very friendly, but they are probably in the wrong positions.
My family has had a wonderful experience at this school. I have three children. They have all attended this school. The staff is outstanding and Mr. Conner is tough but an excelent principal. He expects as much from his teacher as he does from his students. I am extreamly happy with my children's education.
My grandson has been in Stephen Decatur school for almost 2 years now, and I have found that the teachers, Principal Connor, Dr. Skipper, everyone that is involved in the school are there wholeheartedly for the children! It has wonderful educators in the teachers, alot of nice programs available, and care and concern for all who attend. I am so happy and proud that my grandson is a Decatur student!
My son is in 1st grade and did Kindergarten at Decatur. So far I like it a lot. The teachers he's had have been great and he's been learning.
There staff is A-1! My children love going to school everyday. There are many opportunities for my children there.
i think this school is wonderfull but you should have more activities for the boys and girls such as baseball and basketball
i think this school is good for my daughter and son but they need more activities such as basketball and baseball but other then that its wondefull
I love this school! My two boys are very lucky to go to a school with such wonderful teachers and so many programs.They handle problems very quickly and fairly.The learning support staff is great and are always there to help if you need them.I am proud to say my children go to Decatur!A++++
So far all looks well. I attended this school some 35 years ago, and it's sad to see that the school yard looks the same( I don't think the black-top has ever been repaved). The school looks run down, which I guess is par for this city. I was very hesitant to send my kids to (any) Phila. Public school, but it was pointed out to me that Decatur is now K thru 8 (since they closed Rush), therefore there is less bussing in of troublemakers, in other words it is more of a neighborhood school again, like it was 40 years ago. I like what I see so far.
My son went to school here for 1st grade and the teacher was wonderful. However, this year he was in 2nd grade and problems are constantly ignored and and any issues get told to you after the fact. The bathrooms and school are filthy. A previous post said 'This school is not about doing what's best for the kids, but doing what best to make the principal look good regardless of the consequences' And I totally agree with that!!! We need a better school for our children to be brought up in!!!!
The academic programs are excellent. The school truly cares about the students and provides various programs to cater to the children. They encourage parent involvement and parents' often attend various activities held by the school. Anyone would be proud to have their child/children attend Decatur Stephen.
I think that this school is an excellent school, and my children have been given some wonderful opportunities. I have a daughter that is in golden attitude, which is a program that acknowledges your attitude toward school, yourself and others. It has nothing to do with grades, it is all about acknowledging respectful, responsible, and kind children. She is also in the mentally gifted program. I know it is because she is very bright, but loving the school you go to has a lot to do with the effort that children put into learning. My son, although too young yet for these programs, is also doing amazingly well at school. I am proud to call Stephen Decatur my childrens school.
Stephen Decatur was a fine school for my children from kindergarten through 1st grade. However, as my children got older I found out a lot about this school that I didn't like. They tend to ignore problems with their school, such as bullies, fighting, theft and bad teachers because they are too concerned with their reputation. Problems are constantly ignored and a lot of situations get 'swept under the carpet' to avoid any bad publicity. This school is not about doing what's best for the kids, but doing what best to make the principal look good regardless of the consequences.
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The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
3500 Academy Rd
Philadelphia,
PA 19154
Phone: (215) 281-2606
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