Anna C. Scott Elementary School

281 Broad Avenue

School District

Leonia Public
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Leonia Public School District

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 September 20, 2024

Having served as a class parent for the past two years, I have had the privilege of working closely with the teachers at ACS. The dedication and care that the educators show toward their students is truly remarkable, and I feel incredibly fortunate that my daughter is a part of such a nurturing environment.The after-school care program, known as SACC, is another highlight of ACS. It provides excellent supervision for students and ensures they can participate in various after-school activities offered by local businesses, such as ballet, yoga, rec. center classes, taekwondo, etc. This variety not only enriches their after-school experience but also fosters a sense of community involvement.The ACS community is vibrant and supportive, encompassing everyone from the friendly crossing guards to the Home and School Association and the committed teachers. This collaborative atmosphere makes ACS not just a school but a true community hub where children can thrive both academically and socially. Overall, I highly recommend ACS for any family looking for a caring and enriching educational experience.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2022

ACS has been wonderful for our older son and we are incredibly sad that his little brother won’t be able to attend as well since we are moving for job relocation. The staff is so wonderfully caring and thoughtful. We were introduced to the Child Study Team the year prior to enrollment when we thought we had to continue with an IEP from California. We ended up not needing any services since our son was caught up after a speech delay, but to have speech therapists, occupational therapists, social worker, psychologist, behaviorists (you can look up the staff directory for the full list) - is AMAZING and very unique to Leonia to have wraparound care if your child needs it. Kindergarten with Ms. Usami was our first full-time pedagogical experience. We are always so grateful that she made learning that much more exciting for our son and really established school as a great place to go. For first grade, Mrs, Mariotti was absolutely stellar for our full year of virtual school during the pandemic. The time she spent carefully adapting lessons and taking care of students even from a distance is so appreciated. As a family, it was super fun getting to learn Spanish from Mrs. Williams and art from Ms. Drillick. ACS students are very fortunate to have such a wide range of special subjects (“specials”) as part of their regular curriculum. For second grade, students were transferring into Ms. Lopez’s class throughout the year - not surprising given her years of experience. Our son is always spouting what he’s learnt from her on our walks home and we especially appreciate how accommodating she has been through an anxiety-ridden year for us. We are also very appreciative of the love and care from Steve and Anthony (SSOs), Ms. Debbie who does double duty as crossing guard and lunch aide, Ms. Becky in the main office, Nurse Joely Wrenn who alerted us to a medical issue, and all the other staff who are part of such a hardworking and caring team. Leonia is a very special and lucky town to have such a gem of a school. - DC and SL, parents of X and W
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2021

We have three children and two of them are currently at ASC. ACS is an excellent school and we've been very pleased with the quality of the teachers, educational programs, and programs like SAAC and after school enrichment. My husband and I are both academics at top colleges in NYC so we take public school education very seriously. The one item to note for prospective parents is that the school administration is a bit inflexible and rigid in its approach to interacting with parents, PTA, and the community in general. Both the current principal and vice principal take the approach that their way is the only way and rarely listen to feedback from the school community on important general topics surround the school as well as sensitive topics pertaining to your child. The Principal in particular has a difficult time with topics outside her comfort zone and rarely take innovative approaches to learning and running an elementary school. The Principal also has a shy personality making it difficult to interact with her as a parent. My advice for prospective parents is to meet one on one with the Principal and form your own opinion, ask tough questions on how the school will react to parent feedback and if there are issues with your child that require a non cookie cutter approach.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

ESL teaching curriculum is terrible. Teacher think ESL students can speak and write English well. If they can they don’t need ESL class. Also, many of teachers think parents or guardians are teacher’s assistant. If you need an assistant, you better hire one.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2019

We have two children at ACS and my wife and I are both educators in Bergen County. ACS is a wonderful school community with amazing teachers. There is a very active Parent Teacher Association and there are wonderful resources for all children. The school is also a wonderful example of global diversity and every child that goes through ACS will be prepared and exposed to how the world truly looks. ACS is a hidden gem!
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2018

My son started put in kindergarten without the knowledge of any english. Now finishing up first grade he has excelled in both math and english. It is a great small community and I would highly recommend leonia schools to everyone.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2017

Homework is less than we were expecting and does not seem to be very academically rigorous; however, teachers seem to genuinely care about students, and there is a strong social-emotional curriculum. The music program is great, and definitely a strong point. This is a wealthy area, and there is a lot of subtle pressure to give extra money to the school for class parties, etc.--not a concern if you can afford to pay the property taxes in Leonia, I guess, but for renters it can be an issue. Absolute best thing about the school is the (private) before/after child-care program, SACC; I feel like the discipline, activities/pacing, and interaction with the "counselors" at SACC is probably more valuable than the time in the classroom. Absolute worst thing is the office staff: if you like muttered comments, snarky asides, and plenty of eye-rolls when you bring your kid in late in the morning, then you'll love the ladies who man the front desks at ACS. Mrs. Palka is the shining exception, and the only one who is always gracious and professional.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2015

I love the environment and teachers!Teachers are really friendly, and they help students well. There are variety activities to look for as well.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2015

Good school! My son and my daughter went there and they had a very good experience.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2014

My daughter has attended ACS for a year. Prior to that, she attended Catholic school in a neighboring town. The difference in quality, teacher attentiveness, and school administration has been night and day. ACS is incredibly organized & accommodating to parents' needs; school is run like a well-oiled machine. Facilities are clean. While I will admit I have little basis for comparison as far as curriculum goes, my sense is that it incorporates educational guidelines appropriate for my daughter's age.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2013

My son is studying at ACS 3rd garde. I have two nieces and a nephew also from ACS. My eldest niece now is in college for her Pharmacy degree, the other two are in high school. The school system is great and the management willing to accept opinion for improvement. There were a lot of great and experience teachers, most of them are retiring... The new "batch" of teachers need to be working together with and wait to see their profession.. Overall, ACS is a great school to "breed" the youngs.