419 W 22nd St #2
New York, NY 10011

My child came to PS11 as G&T after attending a different public school the year before. I have been amazed at the community feel, the opportunities for children (and parents) and the way that each faculty member truly respects each student as a learner. I am currently unemployed so I availed myself as a parent volunteer for the fall festival and as a volunteer art teacher for the Young Artists 8-week program. My child is also on the PS11 chess team. I was added to WhatsApp groups for each of these and one for all of the parents in our class. One Friday each month, parents are invited to come to the child's classroom for 30 minutes at drop off to see what they are working on. The school has a library, a playground, a garden, and chickens! Our other school had none of those things. This is truly a place where it is exciting to learn. Our teacher sends slides of lesson themes each week on ClassDojo to keep us parents informed. I couldn't ask for a better learning environment.

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.

My son graduated from James Baldwin last year after attending in 11th and 12th grade. It was a warm, welcoming environment with a strong support system, caring staff and an eclectic mix of students. My son was able to regain his self esteem, build relationships with teachers and staff, as well as take on leadership roles. He was exposed to a wide range of writing classes that enabled him to improve in this area dramatically. The school put together a lovely personalized graduation ceremony for the class, demonstrating the bonds formed between staff and students. Advisory or "Crew" was an essential part of the environment as were internships, college credit classes at Baruch and other neighboring colleges. Parent involvement was encouraged and supported by the school community, but it is high school!