P.S. 234 Independence School in Kiryas Joel, New York

“PS 234 is a great community, but the achievement bar is disappointedly low when considering the potential of the student body, the families' focus on education & the quality of the teachers. I am the parent of a 5th grader who has been under-challenged for the past 5 years. The school is doing a fine job of helping students who struggle & keeping average students happy enough. However, it does NOTHING for its most gifted students. At times, it feels like it is almost in bad taste (& definitely politically incorrect) to even raise their special needs. In fact, I don't think there is any awareness that gifted students have special needs. Instead, the school seems to function on the pervasive but erroneous notion, 'S/he will be fine; S/he is so smart anyway.' Addressing the distinct academic needs of this population would be a worthwhile challenge/goal for the Principal.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My experience was similar to some of the other posts. While the community and general atmosphere is congenial and welcoming -my son was terribly picked on by a teacher who literally was picking on him in class if front of the other kids and sending him to the office instead of recess for weeks on end. My son was subsequently diagnosed with ADD, but I cannot tell you how many derisive and inappropriate comments I received from staff. I received absolutely no support whatsoever in spite of talking to the counselor and trying to talk to his teacher. Lisa was wonderful (When she was eventually told about the situation) - but she really needs to hold some of her staff accountable.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been a parent at the school for several years, with two children attending. I do not feel that the school overemphasizes test scores or even particularly emphasizes them. It is a homogenous community of very lucky children (financially as well as in terms of parent support) that enables them to arrive ready to learn and to obtain assistance if they are struggling. I have perhaps been unusually fortunate in that my kids have only had extremely professional, insightful teachers who completely wow me with their dedication, intelligence and ability teach to several levels at a time. One caveat: The school is overcrowded due to its fabulous rep.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I agree with the last post. Lisa Ripperger is a great principal and I feel she will lead her team back to the quality PS 234 is famous for. My child had a terrible time with a teacher who had no comprehension or understanding of positive reinforcement - she bullied & picked on my son terribly, seriously affecting his self esteem. We're still working on getting past the last year. Other than that - great community and wonderful active PTA. Some staff were great, some very rude. It's a toss - if you get a professional this is an excellent school. In my case -we didn't.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is tremendously overrated and has been steadily declining over the years. Lisa Ripperger, the new principal, seems to be making some meaningful changes, however, and has hired some excellent new teachers. Most students do well thanks to parent support and tutoring. Once a down-to-earth, neighborhood school, many of the 'new' parents have an air of entitlement without contributing time and effort to the school. For years, the parent body fought hard to open the wonderful new annex, which has alleviated overcrowding, at least in the short term.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We're fortunate to have such an excellent school in the area, with such concerned, active teachers and parents. The new principal, Lisa Ripperger, is wonderful. However overcrowding is a huge issue and becoming more so. Kids seem happy and school environment is friendly and safe. Very active PTA, great music program, but we lost the computer room and the yard is getting very busy at lunch.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It is a strong school, but extremely overcrowded. Excellent after school program. Very homogenous student population. Way too much attention to test scores. Fine for a child that does not need too much attention. Not enough space or teachers to cover individual strenths of the child. Attention is given to hitting those scores. Small classrooms, no art room, computer room, music room. Not very happy with the arts compared to other schools.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Look, the school is good, but they are downright fanatical about their position as the supposedly best public school in New York State. It's good to be in this school district, but I worry for the children who are relentlessly exposed to such a competitive environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school-engaged, well-trained teachers. innovative curriculum-private school at a public”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent school. Warm progressive atmosphere. Great level of parent involvement. Nice after-school program with diverse and eclectic activities. My daughter attended this school and then the local public middle school and was accepted to styvesant high school (with some help from a kaplan prep course)also, nice pta funded music program.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think that this is a wounder full school. The teachers great. The kids they pay attention if they feel that the child needs extra help they provide. They will bring it to your attention. They have great music art computer homework-help and some other school after school activities. I feel that this is the best school elementary school for your independent little one ,to start off”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Great programs, wonderful facilities, active partents -- a terrific elementary school whose only drawback is its increasing popularity and overcrowding.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“When we moved to the area a few years ago, I was told we had the best school in the City. And I don't doubt it. My daughter has benefited from PS234 not just in terms of the high standard of teaching, but also from a happy and exciting environment. Even with learning difficulties, she is highly motivated and keen to succeed: enjoying the music program, afterschool activities, her special ed program, her classroom environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The pupil teacher ratio is not good - ex. 30 to 1 in 4th grade and 35 to 1 in 5th grade. Math skill development is weak. On the positive side: good physical appearance, musical instruments available in upper grades, friendly security guard and office staff. Classrooms are pleasing to the eye.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“My eldest son has attended PS 234 since Kindergarden. He is currently entering the 3rd grade. My daughter is now entering Kindergarden after a fantastic Pre-K last year. My wife and consider ourselves blessed with the amazing level of education our children have and continue to receive. I hope the new changes the mayor has made do not affect the success we have admired in the past. Thank you PS 234 for your dedication and performance!”
This review was posted by a parent.