Benjamin Banneker Academy

My daughter is currently in 3k here and we love this program. The teachers are great, she is excited to go to school, and they have a great variety of lessons and play. I can't speak to the experience of older students, but would definitely recommend this school for the 3k/Prek program.

Our child had an awful experience here, finding none of the teachers very engaging, almost no fun projects and after school activities were fine but not nearly the variety and fun of other schools. The primary teacher was quite bad - his performance rapidly dropped over a few months and anytime we tried to ask the teacher about it, she displayed a total lack of interest or any familiarity with what he was actually doing. Worksheets and quizzes that made it home often were confusing, filled with typos, and in some cases directly contradictory to what was being taught. Tests had questions incorrectly graded, work was often (mis)graded by other students and never checked by the teacher. In all, our child significantly backslid over a few months, we felt completely ignored and blown off about any of our concerns, and our child's love of school and learning evaporated. We brought our concerns to the administration and they addressed some of them, but when we finally made the decision to leave mid-year, they had no interest in hearing or discussing our concerns. In addition to our concerns, we heard from many other parents that had similar issues with he quality of the instruction. Additionally, parents invovled on committees through the PTA frequently resigned their position, as they were blocked by the school from affecting any change (fundraising, field trips, etc. )

Our child attends pre-k this year. We've had a very good experience. The classrooms and hallways are inviting, the families are friendly, and the teachers are warm and nurturing--our child gives hers an enormous hug each morning and talks about her incessantly at home. Pre-k students are in their own wing of the building with a separate playground from the older children. They have plenty of enrichment activities throughout the week, such as visiting the music, art, and technology classrooms, as well as guest visitors (they baked bread with a baker one day, for example). We are constantly surprised by what our child comes home having learned. Even within this year I've seen it grow and predict it will continue to do so, especially if families keep getting more involved.

Amazing outdoor play space and a warm friendly environment for kids and parents. Great place to introduce kids to a positive school environment.

A Transformative Experience at Greene Hill SchoolOur family is deeply grateful for the years our son spent at Greene Hill School, attending from 5th through 8th grade. His time at GHS was not only academically enriching but personally transformative — a true launching pad into high school and beyond.Greene Hill has a remarkable way of preparing students to be engaged, curious, and proactive learners. The progressive education model they champion is not just theory — it shows up every day in the classroom, on field trips, in student-led projects, and in the way teachers build authentic relationships with their students. Our son graduated with a strong sense of self, the confidence to speak up and advocate for his ideas, and a deep understanding of how to think critically and creatively. These qualities have helped him thrive from the onset in his Manhattan high school, where he continues to stand out for his thoughtful participation, leadership, and collaborative spirit.What sets GHS apart is its commitment to nurturing the whole child. The school community encourages intellectual risk-taking, emotional growth, and real-world learning. The teachers are inspiring — not only skilled educators but caring mentors who truly see each child. The mixed-grade advisories, the art and project-based curriculum, and the emphasis on community and equity all work together to create a learning environment that rich and deeply human.As a parent and involved community member, I’ve also witnessed firsthand the dedication behind the scenes — from strategic planning to maintaining a sliding scale tuition model that invites families from diverse backgrounds to be part of something meaningful and future-focused. It’s rare to find a school that is so clear in its values and so joyful in its execution. This isn’t a school stuck in old paradigms — it’s a place that sees and responds to the evolving needs of children, society, and the world they are stepping into.We carry our Greene Hill years with immense pride and gratitude. It is a place where children are not only educated but empowered— a true gem in Manhattan/Brooklyn’s educational landscape.

We started at a different charter in Brooklyn and switched to Compass mid-year. I am SO HAPPY to be part of this community. The balance of learning, academics, play, community and social issues is just incredible. My children are THRIVING! My son was previously in special reading groups as he needed more help and after a few weeks at Compass everything just "clicked" for him and he is back on track! They are learning about important social (anti-bias) issues and also getting music and sustainability education. It truly feels like a community.