Daniel Webster Elementary School

Webster is a real community school and that was demonstrated more than ever in the last 2 years. The teachers are all invested in the kids and families and the administration knows every child. Families participate in the community activities and get to know each other. The academics are also rigorous and there are enrichment opportunities for kids of all abilities. I have 2 kids in 2nd and 4th grade. They excel in math and need support in reading and have received services and opportunities for both. When I have needed to speak with their teachers or the principal, they have all without exception been responsive and made time for me. Likewise the school nurses know and follow up on each child's health. We have had an overwhelmingly positive experience with Webster and I know many families who would agree.

It's a good school, and a wonderful community, but not as good as I expected based on it's reputation and all the great arts programs highlighted at the open house tour. Granted, my child started in fall of 2019, so we have mostly experienced the school during COVID, but I was still disappointed to learn that the studio arts programs are held for only about 1/3 of the school year (about 10 weeks or 3 mos.)The real issue, though, is that there are many teachers who have been teaching for decades and are now "checked out," going through the same old motions, and make few efforts to teach in a way that is modern, creative, and interactive. Yes, there is use of technology, but that mostly consists of putting videos on the smartboard and letting kids play "learning games" on their Chromebooks during free time / centers time.In kindergarden and 1st grade, I was really disappointed by massive amounts of worksheets coming home in my child's folder. Literally enough to fill a paper archive box. I am sure they were doing other things in class, but it sure seems like a lot of time spent on worksheets. For K-2 at least (idk about older grades), the teachers use a set of workbooks called Fundations, which may be effective in teaching some kids to read and spell, but are also very rote, and frankly boring for kids (like mine) who already read independently - and there is little, if any, individualized teaching for those kids reading (or writing or doing math) above grade level. On the "rote" note, for K-2 (so far) it's only the "3 Rs" in the classroom -- reading, writing, and arithmetic -- hardly any science or social studies, except for those scholastic weekly readers. Outside the classroom, they do have their weekly art, music, gym, and computer, but no more than any other school, which is not what I'd expected from a school that's supposed to be an arts and humanities magnet. Maybe this is different in later grades, but K-2 has felt like your average public school experience.The school environment is great, though - very friendly, small community. Active PTA that hosts several fun, community-building events in usual times (and trying during COVID). Teachers and admins are generally open and accessible. I just wish there was more creative thinking in the curriculum. Also w/r/t SEL -- there are many wonderful activities announced at the school-wide level, but they don't happen in each classroom. Again, old school teachers are slow to adapt.

Daniel Webster Elementary School is an outstanding school. Every teacher that each child has had through the years has been very effective in teaching my children different techniques as well as being respectful of others and their different styles of learning. Both of my children have very different styles of learning and yet each year were placed in a classroom with a teacher/co-teacher that was ideal for them. The programs offered at this school (and in New Rochelle District in whole) are amazing for the children. I cannot say enough good things about our experience here.

I have 3 children at Daniel Webster school. This school is incredible! The academics are strong, the leadership is strong, the teachers are amazing. My children have each excelled in their own special way. The arts and humanities magnet program is phenomenal. My kids go to school and come home smiling each day. It’s a community of loving, caring parents and teachers. It feels like home. Highly recommend this school!

Exceptional. I love all the teachers and the leadership. Its an amazing school. It's small and intimate. The children thrive and they all know each other. It's a great school!