Ps 17 Henry David Thoreau

28-37 29TH ST

School District

New York City Geographic District #30
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for New York City Geographic District #30

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 January 27, 2025

My son is a fifth grader at PS 17 Q. He has been enrolled since second grade and I can confidently say this school is truly exceptional. One of the things I appreciate most as a parent is the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere. We switched to this school midyear because my son was getting bullied in his previous school. He is now thriving and feels so supported, which is such a relief. The school promotes kindness, love and empathy in a way that makes all students feel safe and valued. It’s comforting to know that my child is in such a supportive environment every day. The teachers at PS 17 go above and beyond to ensure that he succeeds. I’m consistently impressed by the thoughtful and creative assignments my child brings home. These homework assignments have encouraged him to engage in critical thinking and have included topics that promote cultural pride especially because he’s a child of mixed race. It’s clear that the staff genuinely cares about helping every child reach their full potential. Another highlight is the wide range of programs and activities available to students. The school provides amazing afterschool enrichment programs. We have participated in Casa Drumming, which was a fantastic experience, and he also joined the debate team, where he had the opportunity to compete in tournaments with other schools! In addition, there were several coding courses offered that helped him build valuable skills in a fun and engaging way. These programs make PS 17 stand out even more. My child has and will attend more amazing field trips this year. I can’t believe he is actually going to Medieval Times in New Jersey soon! The trips have been great hands-on learning experiences and unforgettable memories!!! I even attended a field trip as a chaperone which was an amazing experience. As parents, his dad and I couldn’t ask for a better place for our child’s education. I feel that PS 17 is an inclusive community that has inspired my child to work hard, and grow into a confident individual. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any family searching for a school that truly cares about its students.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2025

This school lacks communication skills with parents, bully occurs amongst children, and the learning is bad (no homework etc).
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2024

I attended this school as a child and it was a great school, so I was so excited for my son to attend... BIG MISTAKE! Idk what happened to this place but it was Problem after problem since day one! Contact with anybody at the school is non existent you can call any number or extension & I guarantee you you will NOT get an answer, you are forced to take time out of your day to show up to the school & then when you show up they are hiding so that they don’t have to help you with anything.. it’s crazy. Nobody at this place wants to do their job. Even when the school bus stopped picking up the kids they lied to me and said that they contacted the board of ed & when I contacted the board of ed myself they told me that they were never contacted at all. Also my child every morning was saying he doesn’t want to go to school I had to force him every morning, but ever since I changed schools he is excited to go to school every morning! His new teacher surprisingly gave me her PERSONAL number and asked me to contact her if anything.. he’s been doing so much better in school! PS 17 has gone completely downhill save yourself the headache there are so many better schools in the neighborhood
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2016

PS 17 is a warm, caring and diverse community school where the teachers, asst. principals and principal know all of the children's names and strive to address each child's needs. The many programs at this school include dual language, music, theater class, art... The school is well maintained, clean and always welcoming. Activities for children and parents are coordinated by a hardworking and friendly parent coordinator and PTA and include Fall Festival, Culture Day, Spelling Bee, Science Fair and many more.Most importantly my child is happy and thriving at PS 17.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2015

My daughter loves her school, the Principal, teachers, Parent's coordinator, are very supportive and provide the kids with a warm and friendly environment, but at the same time they learn discipline and respect. They have good programs such as the Dual language and Girl Scouts.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2015

The school have improved so much in the last year. Many activities, programs and projects with the children. Dual Language Program is a great way to teach our children Spanish and English at the same academic level, giving the students an opportunity to be not only bilingual but biliterate and bicultural. Principal very friendly and caring about parent's opinions and always looking for new ways to help the students.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

The School is clean and friendly, the teacher of my son is good teacher(Ms. Antonio). The new Principal is doing a good Job. They do a lot of activities with the parents. They have me inform of everything
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2014

Wonderful people, great teacher!! so happy my princess go to this school. Dual Language Program is excellent and provides so much confident to the kids knowing Spanish and English at the same level. Way to go!!
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2014

esta escuela le ha dado una oportunidad de aprendisaje a mi hija ahora tienen un programa piloto de ensenar espanol alos ninos que sus padre esten de acuerdo con el mismo definitivamente la escuela esta superandose bastante solo nesecitamos que los padres esten mas enbolucrado en este y todos los proyecto venidero gracias.
Submitted by other on October 20, 2013

Im a former student from 2005-2010 I'm in high-school now and have a bright future. All the teachers are understanding and supportive . All my friends went to this school here. And I've met some amazing and inspiring people here as well. Though some kids aren't as respectful towers others we still get along. This school only needs one improvment not kids and more classrooms to ensure more healthier and brighter kids.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

My family have been in this school for 3 years. We were hoping the new principal would bring positive change. I agree with others that the environment is more welcoming to discussions. But bullying is a problem. My son is constantly bullied and I have talked to many adults in the school about it. But I dont think the kids are punished because it is still happening and now he doesn't want to go to school. He cries at night when he comes home. School should be a happy place, not a place you don't want to go to.
Submitted by teacher on April 30, 2013

The work environment is very pleasant and we collaborate with each other. The administration is VERY supportive of initiatives that the staff take on. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team and I am sure this school is on the path to an amazing growth that will be beneficial to all students. In spite of all the difficulties presented by the system in general (like budget cuts and hiring restrictions), the school maintains its vision.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2013

I would like to let people know that all the reviews of PS17 from 2012 and before that were from when the old principal was in office. This school year (2012-2013) started with a new principal who, working together with the entire school community, has truly taken steps to bring our school to an amazing place! Spirits and morale have lifted in our school again. PS17 is a welcoming school with a new open door policy! Please don't let the older reviews scare you! We are beginning a Dual Language Program in September 2013 which is going to enrich our students. We have awesome teachers, caring administrators and a new sense of school community! Our kids will very much benefit from attending this school-my daughter loves it here again. She gets to go outside for recess and gets to participate in great assemblies. Music and art is making a big comeback! I couldn't be more proud of my child's school-PS17!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2013

my school is great one . it has developed so much. we are new comers and we had a problem with English language for my kids but the school principle and the teachers were amazing . now before the year ends my kids are native speakers and they are excellent in math and science too
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2013

This year a new principal took over and is slowly making positive changes. My child is happy and working hard. Parents are invited to participate in different activities.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2012

Horrible!!! It was one of the best school about 10 years ago, but now.......a nightmare. I'm going to remove my daughter from here. They have a new old and soul less "teacher" (real witch) who's not married and never had a child, who actually hates children. She is horrible. We are going to the private school. Me and my daughter both very sad. But we have no other choice but leave.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2012

we are sending our son to the other school, because of his teacher. after all these years, we are very sad, because our college student kids used to go to this school, and we were very satisfied. not any longer.
Submitted by other on July 26, 2011

its a terrible school and lots of kids got held back once or twice in that school and the lunch ladies are mean to the students and it got boring in that school
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2011

This school, unfortunately, has truly taken a turn for the worse. The state scores are horrendous & many students are failing. Even after the SES tutoring started last year, the scores have gotten lower. The school received an F rating in student performance. There are no extra curricular activities. There are no sports or chorus. The teachers seem to have given up. The saving grace of the school are the children who want to succeed & the parents who want to make the school better. We have a wonderful parent coordinator, Dina Pilios, who does her best to help the parents. She goes out of her way to make us feel welcome & included in our children's school & education. She offers many exciting & informational workshops during the year. She is part of just a handful of the staff that makes our school shine just a little brighter.
Submitted by student on June 10, 2009

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