Research Junior High School 51 William Alexander School public Schools in Port Chester, New York

“I was in this school since the 6th grade. It is a very good school. The teachers teach with passion and make sure each student gets the curriculum. And also the talent programs are fun and exciting, especially drama. I will be very sad to leave this june 2009”

“i go to this school as an eigth grader and i absolutley love itt its the best school because it has a great curriculum and alot of freedom but there is no time to slack off ...kids at ms.51 have a great time and are hard worker and the teacher have very high standards but the make u feel very confident.i love this school =]”

“The curriculum and standards for behavior were excellent but the amount of homework assigned was outrageous and did not allow for any downtime whatsoever. The arts programs were wonderful and I would consider this a great school for anyone wishing the best of both academics and art. They don't slack on either. Their Drama program was especially inspiring and I am eternally grateful to Mr Mac for providing my daughter with the tools and confidence to be an accomplished actor. I would recommend this school for it's academic and artistic excellence but only for those students able to work at a fast pace, otherwise it allows no time for a social life or sleep.”

“i graduated from this school a few years ago and i absolutely looooooove it. I was in the chorus and i stilll go back for the performances as an usher. The friends i made are my friends to this day and the teachers i had were the best of my educational experience.I cherish all the moments i had in that school and would do anything to relive them. The fact that i still visit the school says alot about how it has contributed to my life and how much i appreciate it. There is nothing i would change about 51's!”

“I graduated last year. And I think that the academics are just alright. I really enjoyed the drama program there ad mr.Mceneny is an extremly talented drama teacher. However the social situation in ms 51 was disgusting.”

“My daughter is an enthusiastic 7th grader at MS 51 in Brooklyn. While she enjoyed elementary school, middle school has been fabulous thus far. Getting into the school a few years ago was quite a process because there were so many children applying to it with so few openings. Despite her grades and stellar performance on the standardized tests, I worried that there might not be enough space. Happily, she made it, and also made the chorus and is a member of the show choir (they perform regularly in front of audiences here in New York City and on trips outside.) She has made friends with many wonderful, talented children who challenge themselves academically. Her teachers all seem to enjoy the teaching process. The fact that she was eager to start 7th grade this summer is indication at how great her experience has been thus far.”

“the aacademics here is wonderful. It is also one of the best art schools.”

“MS 51 is good if your child is independent. The work is overload and the demands for binders, notebooks and books are insane, especially if your child has to travel to the school. My son had an aweful experience there. I was persuaded to enroll my son there because it's a gifted program. Of course, as a parent you're thrilled to know your child made it in a school with this reputation, but in my case it was the worst move yet. He was bullied from the biginning of 6th grade and it destroyed his self esteem to the point of therapy. I tried to work with the school and always blaming my son for not working hard enough. He has the capability to excel, but his self esteem was too bruised to shine academically. The decision was made to transfer him to his zone school and WOW! what a change.”

“M.S. 51 is a great school. My son is in the eighth grade and he has had a good experience. The academics are good, there are many art classes offered as part of the curriculum and there is wonderful parent involvement.”

“Perhaps the best thing about MS 51 is the talent program -- drama, chorus, art, photography, & dance -- that the students choose in 6th grade, and participate in for all 3 years. Students make friends within their talent area, & in their homeroom classes. By 8th grade, students have a wide range of friends and considerable skill in their talent areas. Overall, teachers are caring and responsible -- although it would be remiss to say that they were all stellar. My daughter had 3 brilliant English teachers who were exemplary in their dedication and abilities. Overall, the school is safe, as is the neighborhood. Kudos especially to Ms. Gail Rosenberg, assistant principal, an articulate, intelligent advocate for our students and for the arts.”

“This is a really good school. I went to this school and would send my child. This school saved my life. The teachers care and the enviroment is safe for kids.”

“I'm an 8th grader here, and I have to say, there must be better schools than this. The math curriculum is in desperate need of improvement. If a 5th grader's parent wants to prepare their kid for a specialized high school, s/he's going to need a math tutor or not come here. Also, the kids who are quiet and easily intimidated or shy should not come here. Anyone can be victimized. There's bullying here. Also, the lessons require a lot of studying on your own in history and math because the 10 minute mini-lessons don't help at all. My other teachers have been great, though. They're very nice to me and are kind of like second mothers.”