Is 392

104 Sutter Avenue

School District

New York City Geographic District #23
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for New York City Geographic District #23

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 24, 2020

I believe the whole curriculum is great. What my son needed was a challenge and an opportunity to show his abilities. That’s what I.S 392 offers.My son loves being at I.S 392 and loves to play with his school buddies. All the teachers and the school staff are very cooperative and friendly. They indulge our kids in such activities that are helping them to grow mentally and physically as well.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

This school has been a great blessing to my son and has made him a responsible student .I would recommend this school to my family and friends.
Submitted by other on November 11, 2015

This is my son's second year at this school. The school has very high expectations for their students, which I like. However, I don't believe that the teachers encourage their students enough to do well. If your child is not doing well, the blame seem to always be put on the child and the parent. In my opinion, if a child is struggling on a particular subject, I believe the teacher should either let the parent be aware of that, or encourage the student by giving them extra help. None of this exists unless the parent becomes heavily involved, which may be hard for some working parents. Please pay attention to what is going on in that school. There's a lot of favoritism between the teachers and students. Parents need to be fully involved with their child's education in this school, otherwise, your child can easily get lost. However, if your child is already well organized and independent, and require very little encouragement, then that child will succeed and I wish them all the best.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2015

I.s 392 let my daughter down by setting a high standard like she was not good enough she took the tests for i.s.392 and they claimed that she did not pass the entrance test but I did not let me see her score and I have the right to see those scores but 392 plays Game with these children my daughter took a test for another school and she past it and the letter the sent to me said that they had so many people apply to the school.and could not take my daughter this school is sad and the principal does not tell the truth. Now my daughter happy with her school and I am happy for her.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2015

I.S.392 is an excellent school with a demanding academic program for those students who want to achieve a successful career. The school accommodates about 310 students, and offers a variety of opportunities for students to participate in. Students are encourage to get involved in sports and walk-a-thon events. In addition, the school organizes yearly trips to foreign countries, which students look forward to with great expectation and enthusiasm.The staff at I.S.392 is very friendly and makes one feel comfortable and appreciated. At some time during the school year, parents are invited to visit live classes to get a first-hand view on how their children are being taught.I.S.392, a school for the gifted and talented truly lives up to its name. The assignments are tough, but it helps the students to remain focus on what's important to them. Overall, I.S.392 is an excellent school with a strong academic program with a dedicated staff who envision the success of all their students. I highly recommend it without any reservation.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2015

My daughter just graduated June 2015 and her attending I.S. 392 was truly an unexpected blessing. Four years prior to submitting her application my son attended I.S. 383 Philippa Schuyler School for the Gifted and Talented and I had more negative experiences with that school than positive; don't get me wrong the school was OK at that moment in time when my son attended, but based off that experience with my son I had a far better understanding of the kind of school environment I did not want for my daughter. At I.S. 392 my husband and I found the right school environment we were searching for our daughter. From the moment you walk into the school building you are greeted by NYC's #1 school safety officers who are dedicated, firm when they need to be, nurturing and extremely attentive to all the children (as they know so many by name). Being known by name and not an ID number is a definite component of the ideal school environment I envision for my children. I.S. 392 is a small school with a couple hundred students that shares 2 floors of the clean and vibrant school building with an elementary school (***kudos to the janitorial staff***). The school administration and staff are dedicated and nurturing with strong and supportive leadership from the school’s principal Ms. Joseph. The academic standards and uniform policies are highly enforced; academics can be closely monitored by parents through an online resource (pupilpath.skedula.com) that is frequently updated with grades (homework, classwork, project, quiz, test) and frequent communications from the school administration and teachers. I.S. 392 also offers MANY afterschool opportunities and even free summer programs for their students; as a parent who was unable to afford dance (ballet, tap, modern, African, hip-hop), photography, African drumming, vocal, theatre, violin…it was truly a blessing for my daughter to attend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2015

This school is not what it's cracked up to be. The teacher's show great favoritism and belittle the kids. They talk to them as though they are one of their friends by talking down to them. The teachers talk slang to the kids, they have conversations on their personal cellphones while being in class with their students. A lot of these situations go undetected because some teacher's are also shown favoritism by the principal. They want to enforce rules but don't follow through. They send home notices that parent and student need to sign but yet it's not fully enforced all across the board. I'm glad this is my child's last year, but for a gifted and talented school it has gotten a really bad reputation due to the respect the teacher's show the children.
Submitted by other on September 02, 2014

My school is great. I am currently in the 8th grade. Very challenging and teachers dont mess around. I have fun tho so thats good.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

My son graduated 2 years ago, and was successful in getting into his 1st choice for high schools. I have to commend and give high praises to the guidance counselor, her advice and knowledge on the high school admission process was outstanding. She was also instrumental in giving me guidance even after my son graduated. She is a HUGE asset to the school.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2013

This is an excellent school. They have a strict and diverse curriculum and expect the best out their students. They focus on the arts, sports and other after school activities as well as academics. My son was struggling with writing and time management prior to him attending I.S. 392 and I have seen a significant improvement since he's been attending I.S. 392. Progress reports are distributed often and in my opinion, this helps the students, parents and teachers ensure that our children's academic needs are being met. There is A LOT of homework and projects. Sometimes, it gets frustrating for both my son and I, but I know it will be worth it in the long run. There are disciplinary problems that need to be addressed, but I feel this is probably the case with most pre-teens and teenagers and would occur in the majority of middle schools. Also, the location of the school is not the best. I would still recommend this school to any child who can pass the exam and interview process. I have never been turned away at the door, no matter what time of day it was.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2013

IS 392's issues aren't due to poor administration, but rather budget cuts imposed throughout the city. The school is introducing bullying awareness and respect for all. The teachers are constantly doing more with less, but they are also under a lot of pressure to prepare a large roster of students for constantly changing state exams, while keeping them motivated in a Gifted and Talented environment. Plain and simple, the school is amazing, yet understaffed. Many teachers have more than their fair share of students to educate and care for, especially the language department which only has 1 teacher for all the students. There are long wait times to see a teacher during PTC (1-3:30pm & 5:30-8pm usually stay for both). Though it highlights parental involvement, its just very stressful for all involved when they are understaffed. In any event, the teachers are EXCELLENT, they don't rush you out, answer questions, return e-mails, and so on. They also have an Art and Dance program, a daily physical education program and an enforced uniform policy. IS 392 is a great Gifted & Talented School, where my son will embark on his final year and my daughter will begin her journey in the Fall.
Submitted by other on June 11, 2013

I love I.S.392. I was going there since 5th grade. Now I'm going in 6th. I'm still there for 6th, but unfortunately this is my last year :( I'm am pleased to say though that my school was a journey and a life changing experience. I don't think I'll find anymore caring teachers and staff like them. = >)
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2013

This school has great potential but needs an overhaul on faculty members. The academic program is geared towards preparing the students to pass state exams. However, the teachers show a great deal of favoritism and discipline is handed out according to your name and not your infraction. There are 1 or 2 teachers that the students tend to lean on for support and guidance and they should be acknowledged. But the vast majority (upper mgmt.) leave a lot to be desired. Can not wait until my child graduates. It was not a good experience and fell short of my high expectations. An overhaul in administration would do this school some justice. On the brighter side, I did feel my child was in a safe environment. I just wish the administration was more fair and and less bigoted, it would have been a happier experience for my child and her peers. I wish I would have read the reviews prior to applying instead of relying on opinions given by faculty and faculty friends. Yeah, this experience was like jumping through hoops of fire alright! P.S. school safety officers deserve the medals here. Don't be fooled by the school's appearance or staff, do your homework.
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2012

I am very much pleased with the school on a whole. My child is a 6th grade student and so far I love everything about the school. The teachers are on point, the administration all the way down to the public safety officers. Thru the magic of the internet and edline the teachers basically give you play by play of the childs development in each class. The staff is very dedicated to molding schalors. Jump through hoops of fire to get your child enrolled in this school.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2012

I am deeply disappointed that this school only rated a 3 out of 5. Im assuming that the discourse expressed from the previous reviews have either subsided or have been eradicated (hopefully). But nevertheless, this review is a positve one. My daughter has recently enrolled in the 6th grade, and I couldnt be more happier. The staff is not always as welcoming as I would like but that is the least. She receives challenging work in her subjects. She also has 2 language subjects! Theres afterschool programs ( ie; dance, music,sports...) that are very well organized. I have to say if the grade isnt motivation enough to make this school a possible choice, then I hope this review seals the deal.
Submitted by other on August 01, 2011

Bullying and Racism is alive and well among some of the student body. Some teachers at the school are amazing, others not so. Favoritism is very much shown, and the students are rude and arrogant. The work is basic and the school obtains a strong principal. Overall, nothing to go insane over. Not a very good school. Mainly focuses on test prep. Also, the teachers are a little to playful.
Submitted by other on May 18, 2011

As a past student this school is not all it is cracked up to be.. there is a lot of favoritism going on, and this causes a lot of conflict among other students. These students feel they can do what they want and they do get away with it... bullying is alive and kicking.
Submitted by other on March 26, 2011

I am a student at this school. The work is hard but the school is overall pretty good. My teachers are pretty hard on homework and in math my teacher is very fast but we are ahead. We do learn a lot and when kids come back from high school and they visit the teachers, most of them say, "you know, the work is hard in high school but, I'm used to it because of what was drilled into me for 3 or 4 years" when we do our work and stay on top we are rewarded greatly for it and when we don't do our work, we are constantly reminded of the requirements and our parents get involved and such. But the school is great except for the fact of the feud between us and Marcus Garvey. One of my classmates got jumped and it wasn't a good look. Overall, the school is pretty great. You have to study hard and don't forget about your work!
Submitted by other on February 16, 2011

I am a former student at 392 What everyone doesnt not say was the on going war with marcus garvey.wen i was in seventh grade my friend was assaulted at the bus stop the school is horrible.
Submitted by teacher on November 13, 2010

This school isn't the best. The students inside are wild and the teachers show great favoritism among individual students that can be directly proven. The school has a large amount of bullying and craziness also...Still, the school does have it's good sides. Except in some instances, the teachers teach the subject too fast without asking about the development of the subject in the child's mind...And there arent much enrichment programs...