Parents sharing the process of searching for a school in Greater Philadelphia. What kind of school are you looking for? Charter, public, private, city, suburban?
Date Submitted: 3/15/2010
What school did you decide on? Greenfield Elementary
Calendar year your child entered/will enter 9/2008
Grade your child entered/will enter 2nd
What neighborhood are you in? Center City
What schools did you consider? ICS, Russell Byers, Christopher Columbus Charter, Performing Arts Charter-South Phila
What factors were most important to you? Location, Reputation, School Performance (test scores, success of graduates), Diversity
What first attracted you to the school? GF has a good reputation for a city school and has average test scores.
Did you relocate in order to choose this school? No
On the political spectrum, I consider myself to be… Liberal
Please share anything else about your experience My child did not “win the lottery” for any of the charters. I would have picked ICS and possibly Russell Byers had he gotten in. I have 3 children so private school is not an option.
I have had a fair experience. I feel his class size in K (27 with no aide) was too large. His initial 2 months in 1st grade there were 32 students until they divided classes.
The principal is new this year so I am undecided regarding his effectiveness.
I am not overwhelmed by my experience. There are teachers in the school that are atrocious and should be removed- however it is unlikely it will happen.
However, there is a wonderful active PTA.
Unfortunately our goal in the upcoming year or two is to move to a suburban district. I am not sure I can go through the stress of constantly finding a good fit for all 3 of my very different children.
Tell PSS and our readers about your school choice!
Len Lipkin
PSS Community