Xavier High School

I chose this school for my child because of its reputation. Because of Covid, we had to rely mainly on online reviews for schools we were considering and I must say that some reviews of PS41 gave me pause but I chalked them up to disgruntled parents. It turns out that our experience was much like some of the negative reviews here, save the parent coordinator, who has been replaced by Thom Lee, an absolute gem who goes above and beyond. This school is very regimented and does not feel warm. The kindergarten curriculum is what the DOE first grade curriculum used to be, focusing mainly on academics, with some specialty classes like art and dance squeezed in between periods in a disjointed way. Mid-Fall, at an informal gathering with my child's teacher, when asked how the school year was going, she mentioned that the boys were "still very physical" as if their energy would suddenly dissipate because the school year was now underway. (They are going to want to run and play for years to come!) There was a lot of "sit down," "sit still, "1, 2, 3 eyes on me," extrinsic rewards like a "prize box" and stickers, and teacher-as-God energy. My child would have a good day when there was a sticker and feel down when the next day the target behavior didn't earn a sticker. Our kindergarten teacher called another child's mom to report that her daughter was "taking too long in the bathroom," and "picking the nail polish off her nails," (the day after Halloween) and recommended an evaluation from a neuropsych: Feedback about my child, and feedback about other children in the class which parents openly shared, was painfully negative and centered around whether they were "paying attention," and "listening," and was obsessively about reading and reading only - in kindergarten. There is not play-based, art-based learning nor is the whole child and his/her wonderful personal characteristics taken into account. This felt like an institution that whips children into shape prematurely and out of step with their developmental timeline. They might leave here with a strong rote memorization of facts and appetite for extrinsic rewards, but perhaps at the risk of their sense of self, confidence, executive function and ability to think for themselves. If your child thrives in structure, likes to memorize and might like teacher-led learning, this could be good for you. I would not recommend PS 41. Many independent schools offer wonderful financial aid - see what you can do!

City & Country has been a transformative experience for our daughter and our family. The school is remarkable - incredibly serious about what it does, but doesn't take itself seriously. It's a lovely, welcoming and down to earth environment that challenges and supports children in equal measure. It produces thoughtful, well-spoken, considerate young adults who can think and advocate for themselves and go on to pursue their passions and interests at some of the best institutions around. We have been thrilled with our experience 4+ years in and our son will join the school in the fall.

Phenomenal school. If you have the chance to send your kid here, do it. The depth and breadth of learning starts young, with kids seen as being capable and responsible in the K years.

Very happy with the school. The principal added some very good specialist teachers this year. We were worried because the long time music teacher left, but the teacher has been really good. My kids absolutely LOVE the new art teacher Savannah. She has a background in the fine arts, which really makes such a difference. It's such a blessing that the school can afford and provide both music AND art instruction to all students.