Pocono El Center

Strong principal and leadership. Excellent Teachers. Wonderful kids from a lot of middle class to upper middle class families. The teachers care. The area is has really changed and has a lot of high end families bringing their children to this school instead of private schools because the academics are fantastic here. A great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

We live in an area that is considered 'low income' and many parents commute to NY or NJ from here (an 80 mile/2-3 hour drive in traffic) That being said, we have many children from many different backgrounds, all being dropped off at the door of PEC to gain an education. While well meaning and of a good quality character, many parents overlook the fact that they must be present and active in the process to make it work at its optimum. The 'no child left behind' rules and regulations force the staff to have to very mechanically deal with issues that arise in terms of behavoir, as well as 'teaching to the standardized tests' which are just added ingredients in the mix of what I feel is a less than optimum environment for children. The administration in this particular school is condesending, unwelcoming & unfair many times.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is clean and well laid out. The staff are very helpful to the parents as well as the students. They are a well organized team.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended P E C and it was a very caring environment. The teachers gave students their all. It was a wonderful experience.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a place that has the overall development of mind and body of tomorrow's citizen; where the is room for learning the ABC's and Mozart. Where children explore through reading and experiments, with teachers who demonstrate integrity and dedication.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides WELL education. Not good but Well education. Some of the childrens homework may be so easy but in school they teach you a different subject. I do not get that. In school they teach you a hard subject but your homework turns out easy. NY shools i and my father thinks provides better education. Although privet schools do too. That's the only reason why I give the ratings a 4/5.
—Submitted by a student

High expectations, high security, and high quality programs really make this school a gem. They seem to search out what my children and other children need and then find ways to meet those needs. I have never had a teacher not return a call or answer a note, and I always feel 'up to speed' with what they are doing. They do seem to overdo it on the fundraising/charitable/community programs though. My kids seem to come home with some kind of request everyday. Good stuff happening here!
—Submitted by a parent

My experience with developmentally is okay. I would not say it is a great school, nor would I say it is a poor school. I have had problems with teachers being unprofessional and rude, and expectations not being developmentally appropriate. I have had experience with a teacher speaking completely inappropriately to the children and my child having some stress related issues because of this. Much of the staff seems to forget that these are children and are far from perfect. Being a teacher myself, I wonder if any of them even have experience with what is developmentally appropriate practice or if they are just machines, out for high test scores. There is very little warmth here. Everything seems very mechanical. Even a forced smile and/or hello from faculty and staff. Not welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are interested in only having your child recognized as a statistic to achieve high PSSA results and approve of overbearing discipline then this school would be a good choice. However, if you are looking for an open door policy for parents and a nurturing environment that promotes self esteem for children you may want to look into a different program. This school is extremely motivated to rank high in national statistics at the expense of the students overall educational experience. This school system promotes a 'ZERO TOLERANCE' policy when it comes to discipline. My personal opinion is that zero tolerance and children are two things that are not compatible. If we teach children not to have tolerance than we will be promoting a very hostile environment. On a positive note, the 'specials' programs have been a delight and a real tension breaker for my children.
—Submitted by Sherri Yuhas, a parent

I think this is a wonderful school, the teachers and staff are always understanding and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has some great teachers. I just wish that you felt more welcomed there by the office staff and pricipals. It is an extremely large school and as a parent it is hard to feel connected to the acitvities there. I also feel it disturbing that you cannot just go in and observe your childs class without making an appointment first.
—Submitted by a parent