209 E 56th St #4CD
Manhattan, NY 10022

My daughter graduated from Art & Design high school in 2022 and had a great experience. It was a safe environment, the students were supportive of each other and I didn't see any issues with bullying, the teachers were nurturing and supportive. The kids loved art, but there were also good academic classes and AP classes but a large focus on visual arts classes. Staff and principal does a good job of helping students prepare for college. The new principal is great !

Our experience was disappointing to say the least. My children regressed in the three years in PS 59. Did not receive any proper instructions in K and 1st grade, school was all play time, no work, inexperienced teachers. Some families left for low level of academic instructions, some because their children got bullied and the issues were not addressed.

Im a current 8th grader. I'm going to be honest I'm to extroverted and popular to be bullied, I know, max, 2 kids who have been in my full 3 years, but I'm sure it happens. I mean kids get beat up, I know one or two that have, and some of my school mates legitimately scare me. Also the school got closed briefly (as in we couldn't leave school for a while) because some kid brought a knife or got stabbed or something- whatever it was someone got in or was around with a knife, and I do think a student could definitely get in a stab someone or worse if they were crazy enough, but no one has. Some kids have been in some insane fights though. Also kids vape but it's nothing like LaGuardia's drug scene, its pretty mild. It's very easy to not get into any drama, just have good friends and stay out of it.But..., if your kid is disabled, and it's really noticeable, then don't go here. Some of the kids are terrible, as middle school kids be, and are ableist as all heck. I mean like they think dumb=autistic. Their are truly stupid and I feel great saying that, I really hate them. They don't get told to not do it, at least not enough, and they pretend to be "autistic" or whatever stupid stereotype they come up with, like some South Park Timmy type stuff. Also some of them are racist but if your kid is a POC they'll be fine I think, its really the teachers who they're racist to. But if your kid is- not in a mean way but be truthful with yourself- overly sensitive, then don't go here. Kids are mean, we all know this. I've been a straight A student, never dropped below it, but 8th grade has been harder- I HATE biology, every kid in my house (not house as in home obviously) does. I hate a lot of teachers, but this is mostly in an I" hate school and your mean". But I don't hate all teachers, I absolutely ADORE a few of them so I really do think its them not me sometimes. The academics are fine, I have nothing to compare it will but its not bad, some kids care, some don't, like any school.I'm having an absolute blast to be honest, not because of the school but because of my amazing friends.