Pear Tree Point School

90 Pear Tree Point Road

Darien, CT 06820

8 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 26, 2017

PTPS has been a wonderful elementary school for our three children. We value strong academics and a tangible preparation for middle school and hands down this is the place to get that. The reason we chose the school was for the Core Knowledge curriculum and small classes. The school has delivered on that. We like the progression of topics from one year to the next and how our children have discovered the joy of learning. There is a culture of kindness that starts at the top and goes throughout the school. Everyone from the Headmaster to teachers to staff get to know each child and it gives the school a warm and personal feeling. We have felt very welcomed by the other families who share our feelings that a good educational start is the best thing we can give our kids.
Submitted by other on September 02, 2017

I want to be upfront that PTPS was not my first choice for my child. The school told us they had space for the upcoming school year and had available financial aid. My initial impression was concern since there were only 7 kids in the grade. My daughter did spend a day and she was tested. We returned to meet with the Headmaster who was delighted with the scores and said he had to meet with the aid committee but felt confident our child would make a good fit. Two weeks later I got an email that said we cannot offer a place at the school!! It wasn't our first choice (good news) but I was shocked that they sent an email (very unprofessional). No phone call, no explanation. It wasn't a total waste of time as the testing has been very helpful to us and her future school as it shows her strengths and weaknesses. As I said it wasn't our first choice and there are numerous other schools in the area that are better academically, have sports programs and cost the same or a little less
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2017

Pear tree is not worth $40k. For that money you would expect students to not only learn basics but be given an incredible, innovative education and a springboard to middle school. Do as we did and ask the area private schools what pear tree students are like once they transfer over to the middle school. It's a very dated institution with a lot of stagnent approaches to teaching and classroom management/discipline. Our children attended for one year and they increased some general academic ability, but not what we expected or were sold when first met the administration. Their population decline is evidence enough of an unhealthy institution.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2017

My older grandson graduated from Pear Tree Point School last year. When he transitioned to middle school he was placed in Honors classes in math and English based on the entrance exams for the school. I firmly believe that was thanks to the excellent Core Knowledge curriculum at Pear Tree. He attended the school from pre-K through fifth grade and had a wonderful experience at every level. Our younger grandson is in the 4th grade at Pear Tree and the individualized and caring environment, as well as the excellent and dedicated teachers, have made his school experience a very positive one. I am continually impressed by the wonderful efuacation this school provides.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2017

We had a very similar experience to the two recent negative reviews. Our expectations were high going into our PTPS experience. We had heard wonderful things about the school from other parents whose children had attended PTPS. Talking to the school administration during the admissions process seemed to confirm our expectations. But our family experience was very different. The teachers were not warm and it seemed like they were teaching memorization skills and not a love of learning. The curriculum is dated and there was no appetite to change anything. Other independent schools have a strong focus on STEM and technology. PTPS does not. We would not recommend PTPS.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2017

Pear Tree Point School has been such an amazingly warm and supportive learning environment for my sons! From the caring teachers who know every student and truly invest in their success, to the interesting and enriching curriculum, we couldn't ask for more in a school. It is a small environment that truly meets the needs of every learner, from those that need challenge and extension activities, to those that need support and extra attention. My boys will forever treasure their PTPS days. It is hard to find another school for the next step in their schooling that is quite like this special place!
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2017

I think this school was once really great but I don't think it is anymore. They are having serious enrollment problems and many students are not returning next year. I have no idea how they are financially viable. They laid off many of the best teachers, opting to keep the senior teachers and not the better ones. The publics school have much better teachers now. Parents have been kept out of the loop on everything, including the head master challenges. Its so disappointing that this once great school is failing .
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2014

PTPS is a fabulous learning institution that focuses on development of children at the elementary level. Some schools we considered had a stronger focus on the upper levels as this is the pivotal level for entry to universities. We are so delighted we decided to send our son to Pear Tree Point. It's a wonderful nurturing environment that celebrates diversity and teaches respect for others and community service. It's been a wonderful year for our son who loves going to school each day. He enjoys learning Mandarin and Spanish. As with other parents, we will scramble by grade 5 to find an appropriate school in the middle and upper levels and we will be competing with several other talented children, but for now, we believe he is receiving the best education.