265 E 7th St #NO1
New York, NY 10009

In summary, my daughter's experience at this school was a nightmare. Despite the respectful behavior of her G&T teacher, she felt lethargic due to the disruptive classroom environment, including name-calling, furniture throwing, and fights in the lunchroom. She didn't feel safe in the classroom, and her mental health was deteriorating. The academic program was not challenging, as the work she was given was WAY below her level. The school also failed to promote good health by distributing junk food every Friday. When my daughter was transferred to a new school, she had to catch up on four months of missed work. Overall, I was very disappointed with the school's treatment of its G&T program and the lack of concern for students' well-being. The fact that a first-grade teacher disgustingly spoke to her shows some teachers do not even treat their students with respect, and it's no wonder when they get to a higher grade they have behavioral issues when some of the teachers do not have integrity. I mean if you get lucky maybe you'll get a good teacher but overall, I gave it a 2 star because the staff was cooperative and kind to my child but need a much sturdier hand with behavior and academics. I do NOT recommend the G&T. Upside of the school is they offer scholarships but it was not worth the safety of my child.

I couldn’t find the attached middle school on this list, so I’m writing the review here. This school is a hidden gem. This is the most community engaged school I’ve ever seen, esp on the lower east side. The parents/community fought to keep it homegrown and that makes it special and keeps everyone parenting and working there communal and amazingly helpful and thoughtful of the children, which seems to make the student body feel safe and behave kindly to one another in ways in which u forgot middle schoolers were capable, and leaves them to worry only about learning. From the principal to the PC, the science and gym teachers, EVERYone, down to the guards and PTA/parents. I couldn’t say enough how warmly and helpfully they embraced my child and made us feel immediately at home!

One major advantage of NEST is the on-site after-school program offering a broad set of enrichment activities like sports, music, chess, arts, etc. NEST also has a very active PTA, very engaged parents, and a good sense of school community. Most of the classes have teaching assistants paid for with donations from parents through the PTA. It is a huge benefit for the kids to have the TA in the class providing additional support.