S.T.A.R. Academy - PS 63

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.

This school has a great sense of building community through various creative activities between the students themselves and also with their families. The children learn to be independent while learning. Our kid has develop a love for math and reading that we appreciate very much. Usually this type of progressive agenda is mostly found in private schools, we are very grateful that this school is public and accesible to all (as is non-zoned).

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.

Wonderful school!! My son has been here for two years and he is thriving. What a wonderful school: I’d give it 10 stars if I could.

The 21/22 school year has been our first year at NAISNY and I could not be more happy. The curriculum is rigorous but extremely engaging. My child is learning and growing into a mindful citizen. The staff and educators are warm and caring all while maintaining a fun learning environment. We chose NAISNY after interviewing with progressive downtown schools and I quickly realized, while they are well-known and “prestigious” they aren’t very strong in the areas we think are important. I can’t help but compare the curriculum at NAISNY to other NYC (public and private) and I’m absolutely certain this is the best school for my child. The class sizes are small enough for the teachers to ensure every students grasps concepts and moves forward with the lesson plans. My only wish is that NAISNY would extend into high school.

I have been an early childhood teacher at the New Amsterdam School since September of 2020. Every day when entering the school, I immediately feel warmth and a sense of community. My fellow colleagues are exceptional - caring, kind, thoughtful, genuine. The list goes on. I am very fortunate to work at this school - to work with such inspiring children and be amongst the amazing families, faculty and staff.