Research P.S. 130 Hernando Desoto School public Schools in Port Chester, New York

“Accademically this school is great. So is the staff for the most part. With this being said some of the staff maybe 4 or 5 inparticular, should choose another profession. Dealing with children takes alot of patience, kindness, and tenderness and if none of these standards can be met, these people should not be dealing with our children.”

“As a parent, I have grown very fond of the PS 130 community and believe it is a wonderful school from many different perspectives. Everyone was very helpful and patient even before my daughter joined the school. Claire was certainly exposed to many different challenges from her academic year there and has truly grown and enjoyed herself. I I was impressed by Mrs. Woo's direct involvement with the school, students and with me as a parent. I will always remember when I first met you at the orientation; how attentive you were in answering my questions, returning my calls directly and continued to be very approachable whenever I asked you questions in the halls. My standard of a great principal has certainly been raised after meeting you. You have achieved the difficult task of taking a city school and providing the the children with an enriched education.”

“Oh my goodness, I really do not know where to start. I too am one of the few non-Asian parents at P.S. 130. I too was very apprehensive that my son was one of maybe 5 blacks in his entire grade. But the principles, assistant principle, teachers, and supporting staff are amazing. The parent association is very strong. I can honestly say that my son could not have gotten a better education in a private school. Although the school does not have recess, it has so many activities the kids can participate in. Broadway, Ballroom Dancing, Violin lesson, Recorder Lesson, Young people s chorus, Phife all of these are either part of the school curriculum or special activities that the school offers FREE of charge. They score very high in any state exams. I could not ask for a better school. It has exceeded my expectation.”

“My son is in the TAG program at PS 130 and loves it. He is so excited to go to school and to do his homework. The program structured to encourage creativity through writing and exploring different topics such as a tree journal where we chose a tree near our home and document progress through drawing, writing and pictures. The class has it's own library and wooden dramtic play area. The class offers chess, spanish and extra help as needed. I highly rexcommended PS 130. It is nonthreatening, there is no bullying here and the teachers are dedicated. At parent teacher conferences, the teacher provided folders with my sons classwork to view while waiting. In addition she had a binder with tabs for each child and was able to report details on how he was doing in class. She really understood him. We love it.”

“Great Arts program and Principal and teachers.”

“P.S.130 is a school with very high experctations, at times too high. However this is an excellent school to send your child. The children starting from Pre-K are involved in computer class, which I loved because this day everything is revolved around computers. This school also does not ask you to pay for school lunch, However, the school asks for many contributions. You also need to buy uniforms.”

“My children have attended PS 130 from Pre-K - my son is about to graduate to Middle School, and my daughter is in Grade 3. I feel that they have had an exceptional elementary education. Much of the credit lies with Principal Lily Woo who manages to combine a genius for fiscal management with the hands-on involvement that finds her sitting at the door of the school every morning greeting her 1000 plus students by name. As with all public schools the specter of testing looms large but at PS 130 there is such an emphasis on integrating the Arts into the curriculum that the damage is significantly controlled. (Karate, sports, music, dance etc.) And we have the added privilege of sharing in many aspects of Chinese culture. We love PS 130!”

“PS 130 s education surpasses some private school s curriculum. If you are a parent who will not help his/her child with homework, if you are a parent who is not fully involved in your child's education, then PS 130 is not for you. The teachers are dedicated, supportive and accommodating. Part of the school curriculum is to expose the children to the arts. A graduate of PS 130 leave the school exposed to the violin, acting, singing and Ballroom dancing, and Broadway shows. Mrs. Woo, the principal is the first one in and last one out of the school. Her door is always open to anyone. Although the children do not have recess, the school has a variety of after school activities and the cost is very reasonable. I LOVE PS 130.”

“P.S. 130 is an outstanding school. My daughter has been at this school since 1st grade and is now in 3rd. All of her teachers to date have been extremely dedicated and hardworking. They have gone over and beyond their 'roles' to ensure that my daughter has a clear and concise understanding of the work. The school has many activities and strives to have parents involved in each aspect of their child's education. The priniciple is 'present' day to day and has a hands on approach working with teachers and children on a daily basis. I can only hope to find a school as great for the reminder of my daughter's education.”

“My daughter has been attending Hernando Desoto (P.S. 130) since she was in the first grade. She is now in the third grade and we both like the school very much. The curriculum is well balanced the children are exposed to subjects such as, reading, math, science, social studies, amongst others. The fact this school has a large variety of after-school activities to choose from is a great asset. Examples of the diversty of the programs are: my daughter is enrolled in drums, basketball, and chorus. They also have a great after school program which benefits working parents like me.”

“We are so pleased with PS130. The leadership of Mrs. Woo our principal and the teaching our daughter got in K were both excellent.”