Park Street Academy

Both my son and daughter attend Park Street Academy and i couldn't be happier with the academic, social and emotional experience they both have had and continue to have each day at PSA. Each class of teachers is exceptional...they really get to know your child and sincerely want what is best for him and her... I really do believe that a child's first educational experience is very important and sets the stage for the upcoming years and at PSA...the kids are learning without realizing it... Their day is filled with so much fun and joy, that they don't realize how much they are learning...the thematic learning structure, the daily routine and the chemistry between the 4 teachers in each class is so well planned out...it's truly a success. Behind the success of the school is it's amazing director...dynamic, energetic and so full of compassion for the children and all the families...she really loves what she is doing and it shows! I wholeheartedly recommend this school to everyone and feel that all children deserve a Park Streeet Academy first time school experience!!
--Submitted by a parent

There is no other preschool in the Montclair area like Park Street Academy. Both of our boys attend this school and we have had great success. My five year old will be leaving this year after after having attended for 2 years. He is reading books, able to do basic math problems, playing soccer, has learned and exceled at tennis and made great friends. My boys are greeted every morning with smiles and warm, friendly teachers. They receive so much attention by all of the staff and the owner and director and are always available and responsive. Of all the preschools that we looked at, PSA by far offers the most structure and emphasis on academics and we couldn't be happier with our experiences at this school. Kelly C.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had at least one of my kids in Park Street during the last 5 1/2 years. I highly recommend this school for several reasons: (1) a fun, creative curriculum that the kids soak up (2) diversity of the families and the staff, (3) the warm and caring owner and staff, and (4) the extended hours that allow parents to have back up care (and peace of mind). There are positives and negatives to all preschools, but this school is special in all the ways that count.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Every once in a while there is one parent that is not happy that the world does not revolve around them, but life goes on. The schools success is a testament to its quality.
--Submitted by a parent

Our twins just graduated from Park Street in June and let me say this. Park Street Academy is a great school. The academics are excellent and the teachers are extremely professional. My wife and I are not big school shoppers. We took the tour of the school separately but we came back with the same gut response. We have to get our kids into that school. We are originally from the West Coast so we really liked the diversity at the school. All kinds of parents and all kinds of kids with one goal---getting the best start for our kids. For us, the school was a family. We miss it dearly.
--Submitted by a parent

Park Street Academy may be adequate for your family if you are seeking a pre-school that expects ALL students to conform to their standards, as opposed to a school that conforms to the needs of the child. A large percentage of the staff consists of 'kids', as opposed to seasoned teachers. My relationship with the owner was not the best, and I do no respect her or her school.
--Submitted by a parent

My name is Lisa Raphael & I am the Owner/Director & Fine Arts teacher at Park Street Academy. I would like to thank those who wrote such wonderful reviews & to respond to those who wrote unfavorable ones. Park Street Academy's program has always been and continues to be designed to nurture the whole child... academically, socially & emotionally. The welcoming environment is one of diversity & acceptance & the experience is often felt by parents & staff (as well as myself!) as being part of an extended family. I have had the privilege of not only teaching children who have attended school here, but also working with them when they return to work as teacher assistants or a summer camp counselors. That being said, I suppose it is inevitable that there are some who will walk away dissatisfied. Tours are given during the school day so prospective parents can observe first hand the operation, interactions & feel of the school. It is my hope that those reading the negative reviews will take the opportunity to check us out for themselves!
--Submitted by a teacher

I just have to relate one story that I think really shows the love and care that the principal of Park Street Academy has for all the children. My wife and I just happened to check out the school in person about the time class was over. I was awed by what I saw. Children one after another going into Mrs. Raphael's office to give her a hug! I never in my life have even heard of such a thing. When I was in school we were scared of the principal, but these kids loved her so much they all just had to give her a hug before they went home! WOW! Needless to say, our son is now one of the children lining up to give Mrs. Raphael a hug at the end of the day. I once asked him why all the kids do that, to which he responded, "Because daddy, she's rocks!"
--Submitted by a parent

I have always been strict with my son taught him the alphabet when he was two. He's been reading simple books since three years old. Also at three years he can do very simple Arithmatic. I thought I was a genius because of his parent's implementation. With great reluctance I put in pre-school. I thought I could do better, my wife and I have not had time because of work obligations. We decided to put it into Park Street Academy and I must say we're satisfied with the results.
--Submitted by a parent

I am Lisa Raphael, Owner, Director & Fine Arts teacher at Park Street Academy. I would like to thank those parents & friends who wrote such wonderful things about the school & respond to those who wrote strong unfavorable reviews. We are dedicated to making children's preschool/kindergarten experience as wonderful in every way possible. The program has been designed to nurture the whole child, academically, socially & emotionally, as well as to create a welcoming & almost extended family atmosphere for all. Throughout the 15 years I have had my school, I have had the honor & privilege of not only teaching my students but keeping in touch with them when they visit or working with them when they return to work here either in the afternoon or as a camp counselor at summer camp. That being said, I suppose it is impossible to please everyone.Tours are given during the regular school day so prospective parents can see the program in full operation. It is my hope that those who read these reviews at least take the opportunity to check out PSA for yourselves!
--Submitted by a teacher