St. Stanislaus Kostka School

12 Newell St

Brooklyn, NY 11222

26 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 28, 2024

All of my children have attended SSKCA. THey absolutely loved it. THe teachers are dedicated, and are knowledgeable of the content being taught. Most of the teachers have been there over 20 years, with a few exceptions. The work is rigorous and the teachers help those students understand the material. I feel that it is definately worth the tuition that I have paid. One of my students recently graduated, and the teachers were so helpful with the High School Process and making sure that the students and parents were able to get through the process. All of the teachers help the students from the lower grades through grade 8. I would highly recommend this school to anyone in the area. The school even has their own bus to accommodate parents from Long Island City and other neighborhoods. THey have so many after-school clubs as well as an after school program to help parents who work.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2024

AVOID St Stan's like the plague!!! The earlier grades were good, but every good teacher here eventually leaves for greener pastures so the only ones left are teachers who can't be hired any place else. That is especially true from grades 5-8. Most don't even teach anything: Science is just learning vocabulary, the Math teacher is absent most of the time and the kids spend the period doing Khan Academy busy work. This is what your tuition goes to! The only exceptions are the Social Studies teacher and the Religion teacher. Both of them actually care and want to teach and challenge the students. So they will likely get better jobs and depart soon, too. This near-constant teacher turnover the last several years has led to shortages and large class sizes. If your kid happens to be really bright and picks things up quickly, they will get good grades here but basically coast, and you'll be under the impression that your child is getting a solid education (LOL). If your kid struggles in any subject - forget it - they're on their own. And God forbid your child has a learning disability - there will be absolutely ZERO help. Frankly, they just don't care whatsoever. Despite the fact that the child is entitled to services from the City. It's just a complete fail. My kids weren't bullied and I must say it doesn't appear to be big issue here, but I have heard classmates' parents complain about bullying from specific kids. But if it does happen, the principal won't discipline ANYONE or do anything about it. You can call, email, and have as many meetings as you like. Nothing will change. That is the message I have received from parents of bullied children. So, while rare, if it happens you're on your own here, too. I'm so glad I got my kids out of there and can't believe I wasted money on tuition. Just send your kid to one of the public schools in the area.
Submitted by other on March 07, 2023

This school is terrible. They racially profile people all the time in the community and demonstrate this behavior for the kids. Just horrible and sad. Just check out their photos. It's clear what their objectives are.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2022

The bullying at this school is downright awful. I can't even explain of myriad who have had an unpleasurable experience. The teachers condone bullying and no action is done against it whatsoever.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2019

Overall, it is a good option for the neighborhood and it is convenient in terms of location. Although I do not work in the profession I received a degree in secondary education. The upper school requires a lot of work. Some of the older teachers believe that respect = fear and they drill this fear into their students every single lesson. Respect is a mutual concept and if they only treated their students respectfully I know they would receive respect in return. There is no desire to embrace newer methodologies and where technology is embraced there is no consistency amongst teachers as to which to use. There could be efficiencies that are implemented, but no proactive thought into the process. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" seems to be a consistent model. And while the older demographic were fine with this approach the newer demographic of the area is not. Parents want to see and feel progress, and the current leadership is unwilling and/or unable to make appropriate change and even listen to parents.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2019

We were impressed on the tour and the school has definitely lived up to it. I would describe it as traditional with modern tweaks, where appropriate. The smaller class sizes and events held throughout the year foster a community feel. My daughter really feels like she belongs there and WANTS to do her best. Good habits are built here, as well as strong character. We're happy that our son will begin the PreK3 program in the Fall.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2019

We love it. My daughter has been going to St. Stans for 3 years now, and my son starts this fall. It is a safe learning environment, teachers are amazing, kind, very professional, and dedicated. My daughter is always happy to go to school and has made really good friends there.
Submitted by other on March 12, 2019

Excellent. Great education, safe learning environment, and strong sense of community.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2018

Amazing school, our boy was always so happy to go to school, and loved his teachers and the staff.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2018

Kids seems to be in great hands.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2018

We are a French family that originally moved 1 year 1/2 ago to Greenpoint for PS110 and its French dual program. But because PS110 only starts in PreK3 we enrolled our daughter at St Stan in PreK3 with the idea that she would only stay one year and then go to PS110 in PreK4. We (our daughter and us, the parents) love the school so much that we just enrolled her for Kindergarten ! We love the small community, the European education (there is a strong Polish influence), the attention the kids get from the teachers (the class sizes are small), the events they organized etc.. The fact we won’t have to deal with middle school tests (it goes until 8th grade) is a huge plus but most importantly theirs academic results are impressive ! And on top of that their fees are very reasonable. We are even working on a after class program for French native that hopefully will be available soon!
Submitted by other on January 31, 2016

I graduated from this school several years ago and as I reflect upon my experience, I would never go back. I was constantly picked on and was publicly humiliated several times by some teachers and the principal. One time, I was handed a detention while giving out cupcakes on my birthday. The principal absolutely hated me and constantly scowled at me. She does not know how to treat children or humans for that matter.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2016

Although the education may be better than most, the school has ineffective leadership. The principal leads making decisions based on her personal emotional state, and her personal needs. She is not accepting of concerns or issues that may be brought to her attention and any attempt will lead to her forcing her teachers to bully and discriminate against your child. Students are not treated equally. If you plan on financially supoorting the school above tuition costs, you and you child may be fine. If you contribute the bare minimum, or show any interest in your child's educational process, you will be bullied by social exclusion. Stay away at every cost until more effective quality leadership is in place. Until then, avoid this school and save yourself the trouble and money.
Submitted by other on January 28, 2016

Not a good principal. Staff is too low level. If your a favorite you wont even notice. If your not...it may not be a good experience. Favortism rules in this school.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2014

My son has attended St Stan's for Pre K Three and Pre K Four. The school as a community has done an amazing job with him. He is well prepared for Kindergarten, having received social, emotional, and educational support from the teachers, staff, and other students in the school. I cannot stress what a great community it is and how solid the teaching is. He has enrichments, gym, art, music, the children perform in school shows and outside programs come into present on topics like fire safety and wild animals. There are constant social activities and fundraisers for parents and children to engage in, dances, parties, bingo, family fun day, and art show and silent auction. The children are prepared to understand and engage in a life connected to spirituality, and mindfulness. They are taught to pray, attend services, and are prepared to receive Catholic Sacraments. Your child is also welcome if you are not Catholic, religion is taught as a subject. Many eighth graders get accepted to competitive high school programs both public and private. The Tuition is reasonable and the school facilities are warm bright and clean.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2014

Wow, if you look at the dates on the reviews most were written on or near the same day. That screams fakes. This school is horrible, they are cold as ice and literally too since they wont heat the gym or church. Their systems and teachings are so antiquated it is ridiculous. There are no real electives or programs offered to the kids. They are not receptive to parent suggestions or input. It is their way or the highway. Discipline varies depending on the child, neither far or consistent. A bully free environment is not encourage. Catholic schools are closing with enrollments down, doesn't seem to bother this school. I would not be surprised if they shut down due to their lack of working with parents.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2013

Best the school in NYC area. High standards for both the students and the faculty.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

My son started St. Stan's in Pre-K3. We were reluctant to start him so young, however when we went to the orientation he was so happy & surprised to see such a bright & cheery classroom filled with children. It was very warm & welcoming. He acclimated immediately. The teacher & her aide were and still are two of the kindest women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I was so relieved to know that he would be with them during the day. Now my son is finishing up 1st grade and still, I couldn't be happier with the school or the teachers. My child is so engaged with the level of education he's receiving on a day to day basis that it doesn't feel like school to him. Everyday there's something new to look forward to in class & around the school. In no way is St. Stan's behind the times when it comes to educating its students. He has learned to read surprisingly well in a very short time, his math skills are amazing for his age & he's has become a confident test taker already. PLUSES: Small class sizes; 1 class per grade; being taught the value of respect, high moral standards & the privilege of prayer; the quality of education is 2nd to none and parents are welcomed to be involved.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2013

I have two boys in St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy. They are in the 4th and 5th grades and have attended the school since Pre-K. In my opinion, and from hearing about other schools from friends and acquaintances, it is by far the best schood in the city. It's up there in academics, special subjects, honors program and strenghtens out faith. The standards are high and my children are received the best education possible. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

This is a wonderful elementary school, definitely the best in our Greenpoint community. It offers enriched education to any child interesed in any subject. Motivates for extras like spelling bee , math bee, geograpgy bee, Aquinas Club, chess. tennis, dance, drama, choir, public performance, community service, math clubs, math competition, cooking club, Sharing Smile Club, etc. ... in addition of course to our regular after school program. This school offers a lot. It is also rigorous and demanding.