Forest Hills

My concerns with this school begin at the front office, particularly with the professionalism, courtesy, and customer service I have personally experienced.During my second visit on August 20, 2026, I was completing my child’s registration while she played with another child in the office’s designated play area. The Registrar loudly stated, nearly to the point of yelling, that this was a “place of business” and that the children were not supposed to be playing there. I understand the need to keep an office orderly and redirect children, but the harsh delivery was inappropriate for an elementary-school setting. A respectful redirection would have accomplished the same thing without making children or parents feel unwelcome.My experience on September 11 was more concerning. I asked the Registrar to speak with a guidance counselor and was told they were all in meetings. I then asked whether she could help schedule me with one. After receiving no response for approximately two minutes, I sought help from another staff member, who immediately assisted me. I cannot know the Registrar’s intent or claim I was deliberately ignored; I can only state that my direct question went unanswered and I had to seek assistance elsewhere. Although school offices are busy, basic communication is still appropriate. Even “I’m unable to help right now, but here is what you can do” would have been sufficient.I also have concerns about the limited visible diversity among the staff and student population. I recognize that demographics have many causes and do not, by themselves, establish intent. However, representation matters, and the limited racial and cultural diversity I have observed raises concerns about whether all families feel equally represented and welcomed.To be fair, some staff members have been kind and helpful. The employee who assisted me on September 11 demonstrated that professionalism and courtesy are possible even in a busy office.I am not asking for special treatment—only basic professionalism, respectful communication, and an environment where children and families feel welcomed and represented. The front office sets the tone for a school, and meaningful improvement is needed.

The staff at KGES is incredible. They are very focused on their students. They are very proactive and accommodating.

My two boys thrived in this exceptional learning environment provided by this outstanding school! Their educational journey was nothing short of amazing, filled with enriching experiences that have undoubtedly contributed to their growth and development. I wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent seeking an unparalleled educational experience for their children. The dedication of the staff, the innovative teaching methods, and the nurturing atmosphere truly make it a gem in the realm of education.

I’m not sure how this school has so many great reviews. In my option it’s been awful. A lot of it is the school system itself, like closing for a voting day then adding 10 mins a day to the end of the school day for an entire month. Truly insane. I have two daughters kindergarten and 3rd grade, and both of their teachers give them weekly homework packets. It’s just busy work! Half the time it’s not even relevant to current lessons. Teachers clearly aren’t using their time wisely and expect parents to do homework every single night. Oh and don’t even get me started on the CONSTANT flyers or random events I get weekly about raising money for the school. I DO not recommend this school at all.

This review is for families starting mid-elementary school and does not pertain to the music teacher, who is brilliant.Anyone with a high-achieving child who is not starting in kindergarten, I urge you to look anywhere else in the Great Neck, Kings Grant, or Shore Drive area. These teachers and administration do not advocate for these children. Classes are overcrowded, and gifted programs are administered disproportionately and not aligned with test scores.The principal constantly tells us his hands are tied, and their choices have had regrettable consequences for our daughter’s education. Our daughter received higher scores to get into ODS than children they allowed in from the supposedly more gifted classes. They do not communicate at all and don’t seem to have the time or energy to work with parents. Unless there is a change in the administration, I would avoided all costs.