East Orange Community Charter School in New York, New York

“This is a great school; however, much like any other public/partially public educational institution in any of the country's inner city it does have a few shortcomings. For the most part, the teachers are educated, and motivated to nurture and instill excellence in the students. Interestingly, in recent years there has been somewhat of a schism between the individuals (both parents and staff) who are advocating what they perceive to be beneficial changes/directives (through theory and via exlempary work habits), and the individuals who are resisting these changes. In particular, as it pertains to the latter of the two groups, there still persists an impregnable desire to undermine the efforts of improvement. They seem to have a complete disregard for professionalism, while instead displaying the qualities that have been proven to plague the advancement of excellence and instead, reinforce negative/'street-like' culture.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school! If you are a parent, make sure (via the soc worker) that your child is in one of the optimal class rooms of his/her grade level. This can make or break your child's eduational experience and academic gain. Out of my 3 children, one was in a mediocre, but not exceptional class, another was in a class in which the teacher seemed to be lazy and annoyed by parental inquiry; finally, the last child has an outstanding set of teachers. He appears to be enthused about learning and his gains in math and reading are phenomenal. The gains have been reflected in both his attitude and his vocabulary. This has driven him toward the desire for professionalism, rather than the street/gang attitudes of the outside environment.!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My initial experience with the school demonstrated an atmosphere of caring, nurturing, and school spirit. In the past academically the children were challenged. This is the last year for one of my children at the school, the spirit appears to have dwindled. I was hoping to see improvement instead I have been constantly disappointed. The school administration needs to be more in tune with the parents and the student body in the hopes of developing a better working relationship. I am strongly considering taking my other child out of this school. It saddens me to have to say this since prior to these last two years my experience at this school was a good one.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is a good school for the most part. Academically I believe that children are challenged. There needs to be more parent involvement. My initial experience with the school demonstrated an atmosphere of caring, nurturing, and school spirit. As my child near s the end of his journey at the school, the spirit appears to have dwindled. The school administration needs to be more in tune with the parents and the student body in the hopes of developing a better working relationship. Extracurricular activities are limited and there are no sports at the school. My child would tell you that being at the school has been the best time of his life.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love this school very much because it is truly home away from home for the children. The staff are truly there for the children's best interest. Their curriculum truly brings out the best in the children. I have absolutely no regrets working here for the past nine years.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Unfortunately this school was a total disappointment. I had to transfer my child out in the middle of March and I have no regrets. If a problem should arise do not expect the school administrators to be of any assistance, even if you are willing to work with them to resolve the situation. I wrote letters and called the principle constantly and was virtually ignored. The staff boast about providing a longer school day than the public schools, however they offer no recess or physical activity on a daily basis(gym once per week). Then they are disturbed if your child is restless and does not sit still all day. Please do not overlook the public schools. I only regret not transferring my child sooner.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is very safe and a great environment for the students. The teachers are very caring and the way that they are nurtured is unbelievable. I moved from Florida and did not know where my children were going to go and I found this school out of nowhere. Fortunately for the girls, they have had that same environment of nurture that they had in Florida, and especially the curriculum is adequate for their grade level and as far as extracurricular activities, they are covered in every aspect. If not having music is a problem, then I guess we have a problem, besides that they cover every thing that a school should provide to students. Parents are definitely involved in their child's education and they are always welcome to give feedback and what they think should go within the school. Unfortunately, they don't go up to higher grades.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a parent and i have three children at charter. We just had an election of a parent representative to the bd of trustees.Kudos ms abdulkareem! I would like to see the chldren have a music class. They don't have one. We will be having a talent show in may pls give support! Mr dash do ya thing! Parents support your school! We need in-put.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I love this school. The teacher works well in the classrooms and keep the parents up to date with the progress of their child.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“EOCCS provides a first rate educational opportunity for all students. The administrative staff and teachers are professional and dedicated. Students are encouraged to learn through experience and are exposed to a rigorous academic program that includes all the core content areas.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“East Orange Community Charter School has a quality academic program. There are two to three teachers in easch classroom which helps to ensure the attention the kids need. I believe the program could be a little more intense and have more structure to everyday life expectancy rather than just going to school to learn math, reading and etc. They don not have a sufficient music program. However they do have music with the children and through this they learn different languages, and more. The parent involement is pretty good. The charter offers alot of give back which makes the parents attend meetings, trips and visiting into the classrooms as volunteer.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is graduating this year. She had 5 great yrs. there and tested well among the best students in the state. Although, I must say some terrific educators have left over the years, fortunately, my child's education did not suffer. Many of the staff has good intentions, but many lack the skills to keep a disciplined and orderly classroom. Kids that need to be in special needs programs disrupt buses & classrooms. I believe the Board of Ed. and State could do more to help here $-wise. The school promotes parental involvement, but too many of the parents are lazy and don't attend meetings and participate as they should. Cronyism and nepotism exist among the mgmt and ranks. Lots of work is needed on delivering their promises(the new playground). Overall, the kids feel loved and are taught to be proud of their successes. Keep striving EOCCS.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It is the worst school that I have ever encountered. I am so sorry I ever allowed my child to attend this school. It was the worst thing I ever did. The staff are clearly lacking in the knowledge of how to teach children and the director may know how to raise money but absolutely does not know how to run a school.”
This review was posted by a parent.