Birch School

2400 Central Parkway

School District

Merrick Union Free
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:9
Type

public

School Map for Merrick Union Free 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 August 25, 2024

Very good schoolOur kid went there for 3 years We can’t complainWe had very good teachersIf your kid wants to learn plus some discipline this is the school to put him to.Bullying? It’s not a middle or high school. Kids are too young for that, they can’t really bully anyone in that age.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2024

Very pleased with the school and my kid's teachers!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2023

I have two kids in the school. They seem to really like it. PTA is really involved. School does nice activities for kids.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2023

It is not a great school. Kids don’t learn much, 5th grade teachers let kids watch movies in the class- for my tax money. Music and gym are good, evenings else is below average.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2022

Bullying is a huge problem in this school.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2019

Disappointed. For the taxes I pay. Hopefully septa can help
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2016

Moved to Birch from another district in Nassau last year. I believe my child is getting an excellent education, and the school wants for NOTHING financially. I found his teacher to be capable and easy to communicate with. Likewise the support staff that helped my child transition to a new school. However, I found that the administration was a bit stand offish - while I liked the AP, and found her helpful, the principal seemed like a ghost who never made an appearance. Unlike my child's last school, where the principal was ALWAYS out and about and knew the name of every parent and child, the principal here seems to come out of her office to make brief announcements and then run back as soon as she can escape. In addition, I found the parents unwelcoming and rude. Seems that the rich South Merrick stay at home moms rule the roost and you are SOL if you are not a member of the "club". At school performances, parents just up and left after THEIR child performed, practically shoving other students and parents out of the way as the rushed to leave, with no consideration for anyone else or the next group performing. I've never seen anything like that in schools I've worked in, or in my last elementary school. Shows you that money can't buy class. If you're looking for a great education and a school with no lack of funds, Birch is great. However, if you are a single working parent, or simply "normal" middle class, the adults will fail to give you the time of day.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2015

High taxes, mediocre way overpaid teachers. The principal is a sorority girl. Everyone there seems frat or sorority, Everyone hates the superintendent for trying to cut Spanish and the new assistant is also cold and detached. The teachers didn't graduate from good schools and aren't good at helping kids who are behind. Extra help is super early Which is silly but they run their day care after school, like they couldn't offer extra help then.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2014

I like the principal here but agree about the turnover in merrick schools. The problem w this principal is she doesn't tell the truth, I don't believe she means to degrade. She will never say a bad word about anyone or anything there. It's highly unionized with enormous salaries and they all protect each others turf. The director of pupil services is atrocious as is the new asst superintendent and superintendent. They are not at all compassionate or for the kids. They act like they have no power, all of them. I'm sorry I moved from north shore. No gifted program for young kids. Adopted horrid common core standards. Worst special ed program. Kids learn zip. They slap babysitting aides on the kids who do more harm than good. I have seen them be totally neglectful or overbearing, little in between. They don't like to integrate because then teachers have to work. So they offer self contained or slower class, both abysmal choices. Also school is so old and they put no money into its renovation. It's quite ugly. Playground is cheap. They sign forms to stop bullying but in reality do almost nothing. I think that's hard for any school but this place was not warm
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2013

The administration in this school has a lot to be desired. It has changed hands more often than not in the last few years. The principal is not professional and maintains a stale smile the entire time she degrades your dilemma. She has had two assistant principals within the last two years. This is not by mistake, as she has the inability to be compassionate toward her students and parents and her staff dislike her very much. The class breakdown on inclusion students to regular education students is not balanced. Security in this school is lax. They teach to the test which is for the teachers not the students. Wishing I never moved here. The teachers seem overwhelmed with the testing, and with the class make up. It is a very stress filled environment for the children and the teachers.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2011

I am a teacher as well as a Birch parent, and Birch is an outstanding school!