Alpha & Omega School

The administration is fair and truly concerned about the well-being of the students. The teachers care not only about the 'testing' but of the education of their students.

My son tested out of reading intervention in Kindergarten and although we read all summer long, by his 1st grade year it was determined he needed help again. 3 times a week he met with a male teacher for extra reading help from November to February. This plan proved to be highly effective resulting in reducing the meeting down to twice a week from February to June. My son exceeded the reading level goals of G-H (P&F criteria) by 3rd quarter, successfully reading level I-J at 98% and 35wpm according to the 4th quarter report card. The head teacher ran a class size of 19 and for the most part remained relatively consistent throughout the school year with at-home assignments, snap words and 3 books sent home each night. I mostly appreciated that she graded the students' class work. Class work seemed to be progressive in nature, appropriate and challenging. 1st grade was really fast-paced and required my husband and I to dedicate an hour each morning and approx an hour or more after school with our son to be certain he wouldn't fall behind but overall our family is happy with his experience thus far. One concern I have is the lack of diversity within the teaching staff. I read that currently the school is 84% white female, I'm hoping more poc and male educators are recruited. Job postings alone may not be as effective today as they once were.

Sargent is a caring and supportive school with great teachers. Our son has so far attended pre-K and Kindergarten and he is thriving. He loves his teachers, and his academic and social skills are developing very well. We'd like to see stronger arts ed and foreign language instruction at Sargent starting in K. The PTO is actively working with the school to increase resources and enrichment activities. The NY standardized test scores are not a good reflection of the quality of this school, and more a comment on the current mess of NY state testing policies. If you move to Beacon, definitely consider houses zoned for Sargent. You won't be disappointed!

This school has teachers that care and work hard to ensure equal learning for all. The principal has always addressed concerns quickly and resolved problems immediately. The students are constantly reminded of their manners and actions towards others. The schools location allows the children to have more walking tours than other elementary schools. This is a great school for any child.

10/10. I attended Bishop Dunn Memorial School from Pre-K to 8th grade and I am a current grad student at Mount Saint Mary College, which is this college that BDMS is on the campus of. I was so happy with the experience that I had at Bishop Dunn. The current Principal, Mrs. Benfer, is so amazing. She is extremely passionate about education and diversity, and she has turned the school into the ideal space for pk-12 learners. Wonderful and accredited teachers, a kind and nurturing environment, exciting extracurricular activities, and so much more.