Cascades High School

We moved to NYC at the end of COVID; I was looking for school options and relying heavily on reviews from this and other forums, which was really tough. We've been at Anna Silver for 3 school years now, commuting from Brooklyn, and I'm glad that we made this choice. In our experience with the school, and specifically the Mandarin Dual Language program:- The key staff - Principal, Parent coordinator, and school safety officers know and greet the kids by name every morning. - The principal and teachers are all outside at dismissal after school, and have been incredibly willing to chat when I have had questions or concerns. When I'm not at dismissal (and kids go to after school), teachers and staff have all been very responsive over email.- Within the Mandarin Dual Language program, the class sizes have been small (all below 20!) allowing for good teacher attention, and tight bonds to form amongst the classes. In my oldest daughter's cohort, all but 2 students and ALL OF the non-native speakers went on to Mandarin Dual Language middle school programs, which I think says a lot for the interest in the language and love of learning instilled. - There is a wide range of activities and programs brought into the school for arts and dance exposure.In my school search, I often heard variations of "it's not a good school, the test scores aren't great." It is worth calling out that the school has many students who are both recent immigrants and learning English. All parent communications are in English, Spanish and Mandarin. We've personally loved the diversity of the school, and the care that is shown to learning about everyone's culture and language.

TNS has an incredible community of engaged teachers and families who are committed to progressive education. No grades, narrative reports, mixed-age classrooms, student-led inquiry, and many other hallmarks of progressive pedagogy flourish at TNS.PS: Ignore the number about academics on this website; 95% of TNS families opt their kids out of the state tests.

Our daughter was two when we attended parent child at New Amsterdam School and we have been a part of the community for the past 7 years. It has been her second home where she feels safe, free, respected and loved. The teachers are committed in their work to understand each child. The neighborhood garden and local parks is where the children play and enjoy a bit of nature twice a day, everyday. Our daughter has grown to be a strong and caring person who experiences school life in a balanced, wholesome way, where she works diligently in academics and plays vigorously with friends whom she has developed strong relationships with through the years. NAS has provided support for us as we navigated parenthood. During these trying times, NAS has been open for full day learning. The small class sizes allowed for appropriate social distancing, where our daughter can safely attend school in person and with her friends. It is important to experience the social aspects of learning and we feel truly grateful she continues to at NAS.

This school is incredible. I can't speak highly enough of the teachers, administrators, facilities team, students and parents that are involved with the school. Due to the highly passionate teachers, my two children have developed into confident and conscientious students. With the small class sizes each child receives individualised attention, developing skills like resilience, grit, and a growth mindset. The students are all well mannered and caring of each other and their community, wanting to participate in all activities from sports, the school production, community outreach and UN activities. The families that attend are from NY and the rest of the world, making up a wonderfully diverse community that is welcoming and kind. In 8th grade the teachers go above and beyond to help prepare the students with their high school applications with test preparations, mock interviews and information sessions, hand holding parents throughout. One of my children has an IEP and the teachers have gone to great lengths to accommodate, encourage and build confidence. This is the best school in NYC!