Ps 142 Amalia Castro

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.

Had to take my child out this school and thank goodness I did. Drop off at dismissal is like a jail, you have to yell out to your kids from outside the gates to let them know you’re there to pick up. Boys kindergarten bathrooms are not on the same floor and they go by themselves,. I know if a child who fell downs the stairs and no one knew till after pick up. If your family decides to take off some days and miss some days of school, you will never hear the end of it. So many families have left and I had to leave before my child starts 5th grade as I heard there’s 2 teachers who are very mean to the kids, heard this from so many parents and kids themselves. One of the teachers will never let any parent chaperone or they may say the establishment does not take any parent chaperones and that’s just lies. You can call the place and they will say parent chaperones are welcomed but certain teachers do not want parent on the trip, go figure. Parents do your research and inquire of other parents, they will tell you. Most of their events are still kept virtual, they wouldn’t really have in person meetings etc. At every event they do for the kids, there’s a cost to participate, so not all kids are able to participate. Didn’t feel like a community school to me.

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.