Research P.S. 142 Amalia Castro School public Schools in Port Chester, New York

“I give it 3 stars because the head admin is excellent in the needs of the children and parents.”

“My son is in the Pre-K program at PS142. At first, this school did not impress me as I walk in to the office. New school year has finally stared. My son has been placed to one of the two Pre-K classes. The class room is so big with all nice decoration. There are two teachers and two teachers assistants in my son's class with only 18 kids. The teachers and teacher aids are all so nice, and kind. We see all of them in the class room early as 8:00AM almost every day to help the children to eat their breakfast. The school also provides a free after school program which runs from 2:45PM to 5:45PM at school which provides a very fun and safe environment for my son who is just 3 years old to stay, and enable me to work at the normal full time working hours. My son is so happy with the teachers, and loves the dancing teacher. I was so surprise that he has never cry once, or reject to go the school ever since he attend the PS142. I am so glad that I have made the right decision to send my son to PS142. My son used to attend at few private Daycare. None of them were comparable to this school. I do not think there is any other school better than this school for the Pre-K program. A class of 4 adults with 18 kids! Where could you find a school like this one? I am highly recommending that you should look in to this school. PS142 has the best pre-K program that I have ever know.”

“I agree with and appreciate the other 3 reviews. They are right on target. I worked at this school for twenty years. I chose to leave because of the blatant lack of competence and integrity of the 'leadership,' those qualities so important to moving children, students, teachers, etc. forward and so short in supply. There was, however, a very inspiring music teacher there and connections with excellent arts and other organizations, like Third Street Music School and Educational Alliance.”

“My child attended PS 142 for K and 1st grade. If you are not hispanic, this is not the school for you. If you are hispanic your child may not be prepared for multicultural/multiracial NYC because they will be too comfortably immersed in their own culture. Principal C. promotes this atmosphere. She seems less Educator, more of a Hostess. Jarring announcements loudly broadcasted into every room of the school are endless because they are delivered in english and spanish. In December, Christmas jingles are played through the PA system while teachers patiently wait for it to end. My child was in an inclusion class and this daily interruption made it very hard to settle the class. The Special Ed staff and teachers were some of the finest people I have ever worked with and they encouraged me to find a more therapeutic program for my child.”

“This school use to be great place many years ago. The princpal does not communicate with the parents and when she does find the time she's very rude. Many improvements need to be made and it should start in the administration office. I would not recommend this school to anyone. Hopefully the community can get together to make this a better school in the future.”