Tompkins Square Middle School

In summary, my daughter's experience at this school was a nightmare. Despite the respectful behavior of her G&T teacher, she felt lethargic due to the disruptive classroom environment, including name-calling, furniture throwing, and fights in the lunchroom. She didn't feel safe in the classroom, and her mental health was deteriorating. The academic program was not challenging, as the work she was given was WAY below her level. The school also failed to promote good health by distributing junk food every Friday. When my daughter was transferred to a new school, she had to catch up on four months of missed work. Overall, I was very disappointed with the school's treatment of its G&T program and the lack of concern for students' well-being. The fact that a first-grade teacher disgustingly spoke to her shows some teachers do not even treat their students with respect, and it's no wonder when they get to a higher grade they have behavioral issues when some of the teachers do not have integrity. I mean if you get lucky maybe you'll get a good teacher but overall, I gave it a 2 star because the staff was cooperative and kind to my child but need a much sturdier hand with behavior and academics. I do NOT recommend the G&T. Upside of the school is they offer scholarships but it was not worth the safety of my child.

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.

My daughter has attended this school for 5 years, and I couldn't be happier with my choice in elementary school. The teachers are amazing, and very dedicated to the students. They do not teach for state tests instead they prepare the students for critical thinking. There are no text books, which I like since they create their own curriculum and are not limited to teach according to one textbook. In Math and ELA, students are broken out in groups based on their ability across the grades, but have specific focus to help them grow and develop. The classes have two teachers and then one or two assistant teachers. They are available to answer questions. And ClassDojo (a facebook for schools) is a great tool for teachers, parents, and staff to stay connected. Teachers post videos with new math concepts to help parents understand (!!!!). The staff is amazingly supportive. Ms. Cameron (p) and Ms. Friedman (vp') are always there to greet parents and guide students through the day. Ms. Alice (the parent coordinator) is heart of the school! It is a small school, but builds a great community and support for parents, students, teachers and staff.

The Children’s Workshop School PS 361 (cwsnyc.org) is a great example of why small public community schools deserve recognition. In 2025, with two classes per grade from 3K through 5th, it offers an intimate environment where children are truly known. My first grader practically skips to school and still stops to hug former teachers. Even as a sometimes quieter kid, they feel deeply at ease, and it’s wonderful to hear how confidently they join class discussions.Much of this comfort comes from the school’s thoughtful approach to transitioning children into the community. Each age group—3K, Pre-K, and K—is introduced to school spaces and staff at a developmentally appropriate pace. Classroom commitments, where students agree on how to treat one another, genuinely shape daily life. Every Friday the whole school gathers for Community Meeting, where families are welcome and kids eagerly await the Kind Act awards.In Pre-K, families play a central role. Each one chooses a day to share something meaningful—heritage, traditions, hobbies—and the weekly updates are a highlight. The kids also love the homemade treats that often appear, from onigiri to taralli to hamantaschen.By Kindergarten and 1st grade, new rituals appear, like the tiny tooth-box necklace the Principal gives each child who loses a tooth. My own kid spent many “choice time” moments making drawings for the Principal.Academically, the school is grounded in the science of reading, giving children a strong foundation so reading clicks in Kindergarten. The Bridges math curriculum is playful and game-based, helping fluency grow naturally. Students also enjoy movement, music, drumming, yoga, dance, theatre trips, a hydroponics lab, community-garden workshops, computer classes, and multi-night trips for 4th and 5th graders. Affordable after-school clubs add even more. Their 2024 book In Their Own Voices offers deeper insight.Social Studies is especially distinctive. First graders study NYC waterways and visit them firsthand. Joining trips to the Little Red Lighthouse and the High Bridge amazed me as much as the kids.The building has history, natural light, a great playground, a peaceful multicultural library, a block room for long-term projects, and even school turtles in the hydroponics lab.A strong PTA anchors community-building events, and DOE surveys show high satisfaction among families and teachers. It truly is a gem of a school.

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.