Upper East Side

I have my two kids here, one has special needs and it has been terrific year after year. My child w special needs is reading and doing math above grade level. There is so much support here from teachers and staff. The focus on social emotional learning is genius. The parents are a special group of inclusive and warm folks who are very dedicated to supporting all the students. It is a real community and a really unique school.

0 Star — Extremely Disappointing Experience. My experience with Ella Baker School has been deeply frustrating, and I would not recommend this school to parents without doing extensive research first. I feel the school failed to provide the organization, communication, academic support, and student advocacy that children need to succeed. The academic expectations often feel far beyond a reasonable standard, yet the support provided does not match those expectations, leaving students feeling overwhelmed rather than empowered. The administration has been unprofessional and disorganized, and even obtaining basic things like report cards can become unnecessarily difficult. The handling of bullying is especially concerning—when issues are raised, they do not always appear to be addressed effectively, and the same problems can continue from grade to grade without meaningful resolution. Children should not have to repeatedly endure bullying while adults fail to adequately intervene. I am also deeply concerned about how Black children can feel disregarded, overlooked, and inadequately supported when they need advocacy and protection. Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, heard, and valued regardless of race. A school should prepare children for success, not leave families feeling that their children are being set up to fail. Parents considering Ella Baker should ask very serious questions about academic support, bullying, administrative accountability, communication, and the experiences of Black students before making a decision. STAY AWAY FROM THE ELLA BAKER SCHOOL if you care about your children.

My kids started at St Stephen last fall. I cannot say enough good things about this school. The environment is so loving and my kids feel like their teachers really care about them. They have just enough homework that they are stimulated and learning but not stressed out. The PA is amazing and has fun activities for the kids throughout the year. Their after school clubs have a fun assortment of activities to choose from. The musical and basketball programs are outstanding. My kids LOVE this school!

This school and principal should be reported and evaluated by the superintendent district. Do not send your child to this awful Catholic school. Unsupported school community and the principal should be replaced.