Research P.S. 261 Philip Livingston School public Schools in Port Chester, New York

“My daughter is entering the second grade at PS 261 and she has had a terrific experience so far. Both her teachers - kindergarten and first grade - were top rate - smart, energetic, creative, and totally dedicated to the children and their development. The student body reflects the diversity of Brooklyn in the best way. way. It's a true cultural melting pot and I am thrilled my daughter is exposed to so much”

“my child is in the 5 th grade. shes been their since kindergarten. she used to love it now she doesnt. the teachers has favorites and sometimes treats others unfairly. one girl continues to bully her”

“It's our 3rd year at PS261 and we can't be happier. As an inter-racial/cultural family we really appreciate the diverse community this school offers - kids sing 'Happy Birthday' song in 6 different languages at birthday parties! This is exactly what we wanted from a NYC school. I strongly agree with the other commentator... can't believe it's free!”

“We have a daughter in 4th grade and a son kindergarten. Every year, the teachers have been amazing, and the school leadership excellent. Can't believe it's free!”

“We started our daughter at PS261 in the second grade this past fall. She is happy, adjusted and most importantly learning. The 2nd grade program is fabulous with the kids putting together their own post office that they run for a week throughout the school! Otherwise, the school is friendly, very focused on the community and highly invested in the academic and social success of the children. It is also a dynamic environment with a very active PTA a proactive SLT and terrific school leadership. We couldn't be happier.”

“My daughter is finishing first grade at PS 261 and she has had an exceptionally good experience. Her teachers are fabulous -- they have inspired learning and creativity while also teaching basic skills. She is immersed in the poetry unit at the moment and writing poems regularly. She also adores math and science -- PS 261 is uniquely lucky to have Carmelo the Science Fellow as our regular science teacher. We have also just completed a unit of dance and music taught by performing artists in New York (who are also PS 261 parents). It was a fantastic program and an indication of the level of both support for the arts and parental involvement in the school.”

“Thriving, diverse, lively, popular local school. Good new principal (the last one was good, too, though).”

“This is our daughter's first year at P.S. 261 and we're totally impressed. The teachers are great, led by an awesome principal (Principal Mills). There's a great balance between academics and the arts and the diversity of the school is a great attribute. One on one evaluations are administered to each student throughout the year to determine their growth and pinpoint their strengths and weakenesses. Backed by a strong, dedicated PTA they keep parents well informed and welcome new ideas and suggesions. The after school program (operated by the Dodge Virtual Y)provides a wide range of activities to choose from and rotates the schedule periodically so your child can try new things. The staff provides a family oriented environment and my daughter couldn't be happier. She attended private school from the age of 2 and never have we received the level of success than that of P.S. 261.”

“excellent academic programs. High level of parent involvement”

“This is a great school but as with every school, there are some teachers that are a better match for some students than others. Carmello is amazing for science; there is art and music and the after school program is really engaging for the children. The principal is very caring and accommodating to the children's needs. I highly recommend PS 261.”

“Thia has been a great school in the past with wonderful teachers, but it's beginning to become a classic over-principaled, under-principled school. Family involvement is being reduced with each day, and city/national requirements are being used as excuses for futhering the Principal's agenda (Judi Aronson had been one of the best ). Children still receive a good education from mostly tremendous teachers but it is unclear what the future brings. This is particularly a concern with the possible addition of a Middle School further diluting the school's efforts and seemingly in place more to build Ms. Aronson's power than for the excuse to retain school status. Many efforts are being put forward under the guise of making 261 for the whole community, but clearly that 'whole community' is any minority with money. Great before, good now, future?? probably ok with staff.”

“This is a wonderful, diverse and nurturing environment where my 3 children have flourished.”