Park Day School

I have a daughter in 2^nd grade here and she loves it and we love it. The previous reviewers commented on how successful the school has been in promoting kindness, and I’ve found this to be true. The kids are taught to care about and respect each other. They’re also taught to explore, create, inquire, and self-​motivate; it’s that kind of learning. We’re looking forward to six more great years there.

My children have been at Park Day School for many years. My 13 and 10 year olds transferred from public school at 4^th grade, and our youngest came in at first grade. If you are looking for a school that will reinforce good values (tolerance, empathy, honesty, compassion, and conflict-​resolution) while providing a solid academic base for high school, PDS is for you. The kids at this school develop extraordinary people skills, too — mainly because the little teachable moments don’t fall through the cracks as they do in many other settings. Come visit!

I have never had a child go here, so this review is based solely on impressions gained during a brief visit when our musical group was hired to make music for an assembly and to teach a workshop for the students and teachers here. But I have never gotten the same feeling from a school as I got from this one, and wanted to comment on it. The students seemed so happy and caring and free! I didn’t see a single instance of unkindness or bullying (from either a child or a teacher) the whole day we were there. This has never happened at a school gig before. The classrooms we saw seemed full of all kinds of evidence for love of learning. I felt a genuine respect for the students emanating from the teachers. It really makes a difference to the whole atmosphere of the school and the children’s behavior. I also liked that I didn’t see any coercion by adults of children. I saw many instances of compassionate behavior. During our concert, those who were enjoying it (99% of the students) were the best audience we’ve ever had. Those who weren’t into it were allowed to leave quietly and politely and do something elsewhere on the school grounds. It was not only a good experience for us as performers, it also honored young people’s ability to know themselves and make good choices. I hope the school is as great as it seems.