Portledge School

355 Duck Pond Road

Locust Valley, NY 11560

15 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on December 07, 2023

I switched from public school, I haven’t looked back. The teacher show a lot of support. If looking for a school Portledge is a great choice
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2023

I have twins who have attended this school from kindergarten through 12th grade. The faculty and administration is exceptional. Bar none. The culmination and dedication of their work to each and every student is unparalleled. The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement program is outstanding. I have experienced first hand their immeasurable donation of time and energy, love and grit to our students and this school. Both of my children have been accepted into their first choice college (both listed within top 2023 US Colleges) and currently thriving at college as a Finance and Mathematical Economics major. Proof that Portledge is college preparatory for all their students. Most importantly, they are currently happy and thriving young adults with a bright future ahead. Nothing more important for us as parents to get this right.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2022

I can not express how terrible of an experience this was. If you are coming from a family of color I advise you to steer clear. Administration does nothing to address the institutional racism that is seemingly as old as the school itself. The kids are very spoiled and faculty often bully students who are struggling instead of helping. There are a few teachers who are gems, but for the most part, this school is very racist.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2022

I have three children enrolled in Portledge and we could not be more pleased with the experience in lower school and middle school. The class sizes are small so there is an advantageous teacher to student ratio. No child gets lost. I feel the teachers really know my children - their strengths, their growth opportunities - and give them the space and guidance to be their best selves. The communication between parents and teacher/s is excellent - the staff is very responsive, respectful and caring. The head of school and the staff navigated the pandemic with grace, always putting the students and their education and safety first. I believe my children are not only receiving an excellent education but are becoming responsible and kind global citizens.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2020

Our daughter was bullied terribly by students and the teacher in her class. We were told it wasn't happening but I could not shake the feeling something was wrong and pulled her out. Once she was old enough to articulate what had happened she told me that not only had the students bullied her but the teacher!! I was stunned. Our child was absolutely traumatized by this. Our concerns fell on deaf ears and I felt patronized.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2016

We are joining Portledge this year and i must say what an amazing experience it has been so far. The staff has been so helpful and parents already reached out to welcome us and get the kids together before school starts. Such a warm feeling!!
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2016

Portledge School is the only school in the area, public or private that understands the foundation of learning that is so missed in education today. As an older parent, I have spent a huge amount of time researching, observing and contemplating where to place my daughter. The results speak for themselves. She is an extremely bright, kind and thoughtful child. Socially engaged, and so eager to learn. With a love of learning and exploring, thanks to this unique and brave school.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2015

Absolutely shameful handling of the Lower School Director. He was a man of integrity and brought so much to the school. Now, the interview process is wrought with controversy. All of the parents and teachers I spoke with liked one candidate, except a few. They brushed the majority of us aside and hired the less qualified person. I'm disgusted.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2014

Reading a bad review about Portledge is like putting salt on a wound. As a parent of two Portledge graduates, I have a great deal of experience with the school. During our 14 year tenure to present day I have witnessed many changes. Our new Head-of-School has been instrumental in adding study abroad programs, Latin, Mandarin, and Italian, as well as planning for the implementation of the IB (International Baccalaureate) program for Fall 2016. The Lower School has flourished with the adoption of the Reggio Emelia and Project Zero programs. However, more importantly, your child/children will become better human being having come through Portledge. They learn how to advocate for themselves and the unique relationships between the teachers and students help them gain the confidence necessary to tackle any task the future may have in store!
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2014

We have children at Portledge and are delighted with the school! It is a well-run school with a terrific perspective on teaching. Nurturing class environments; excellent philosophy of teaching (uses the Reggio Emelia teaching approach (principles of respect and responsibility....and an approach to seeing oneself as a responsible part of the local and global community.)....thinking routines that I wish that I had been introduced to as a child, etc, etc. We love the small classes, the individual attention to the children (they have a small breakout session in the morning to "prepare" for the day...and to express concerns or ask for help.). Strong environment which discourages bullying. As to one of the reviews that seemed to say (or, did say!) that attendance was declining, I believe that the school is at a record level of admissions, dramatically up from prior years and we feel privileged that our children have a spot. Our view, at any rate!
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2014

It s truly shocking. Parents continue to pull their kids out of Portledge since the latest headmaster was hired and no it's wonder. We witnessed top administrators being downright mean and disrespectful to caring parents and teachers, and these administrators (especially the headmaster) are clueless on how to operate a school, with the education being mediocre, at best. Poor decisions are made, good teachers are terminated, kids don't receive consistency, parents are left in the dark and even the headmaster is constantly asking you for money, even during events like Grandparents Day. My Mother was mortified.Teachers work in fear and cannot express their concerns because they might be terminated if they speak out. There are way too many parents and teachers working at Portledge. They drink the Kool Aid in order to get 90% off tuition for their children but it s not worth it. We pulled our children from Portledge and they are educationally doing much better now in a well-run school. Portledge administrators have no idea how to run a school or properly educate children. Don't be fooled by manicured lawns, cherry blossoms, crown molding and a sales pitch. Sadly, we were.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2013

I am a new parent at Portledge, I must agree with most of the post, the school lacks organization, they is lack of communication amongst teacher, administration, and parents. I am a little disappointed right now with the school and thinking of making a change in school for my son...
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2012

My children have flourished in this warm academic environment. With small class sizes and relatively few students, this idyllic campus engenders a space where most everyone knows one another. Teachers share information with each other about my children on a regular basis. I'm always impressed that a math teacher knows how my son did in a game, and how the English teacher knows how my daughter did in math. It's hard to fail with this type of support system and encouragement. I'm also delighted at the diversity. Portledge is far from a stereotypical prep school. You'll find no crested tweed jackets and spectacles here. Behind the ivy covered facade, this school is dynamic and alive. With a foot in the educations basics and another in technology, it is at once traditional, while cutting edge. I'm always grateful I made this choice for my two children.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2012

i must be the lucky one..with 3 children not a brat or a disconnected instructor in any class. As a matter of fact the teachers in the middle school seemed to characterize my daughter to the letter and therefore demand the most of her after teaching her for one semester. I thought that sort of personalized indulgence could only have been afforded in the LS afer having been there for 5 years. You wont find better teachers as focuse and dedicated anywhere in this area. The size of the school doesnt allow for anonymity. Everyone is accountable every day for every move they make. Students, teachers, administration and yes parents as well.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2012

Beautiful campus hides a host of problems, from spoiled children to disconnected teachers, and a serious lack of organization.