Julia A. Stark School

The school community at Julia A. Stark is very welcoming. The Principal, Assistant Principal, Administrative Intern, Teachers and staff are very helpful and supportive. My child was in private school since pre-k and came to Stark in 5th grade. We we concerned that he may have a hard time fitting in. Thanks to the support from the administrators and teachers his transition was seamless. This is truly what community involvement is about, being there for the students and always ready to help. My child is moving-up at the end of the school year and we will always have a soecial place in our hearts for this school, for the tremendous impact in my child's life. Stark has some great programs, such as the LEADS leadership after school program, monthly character strengths emphasis, student-centered teaching methods, etc. Thanks to the school community at Julia A. STARK.Gratefully,Parents

Both of our children attend Stark. We are having an excellent experience, both academically and socially. The leadership team is very accessible and involved in the children's day-to-day activities. The Stark administration is also very strong on personal character development, and each month highlights a character trait, such as "empathy" or "courage" or "kindness" or "grit". Our kids also love their "specials" (art, music, gym, media, etc.) and the teachers who run them. We've had great teachers who partner with us when our kids need help in writing & math, or when they want more challenges. Julia A. Stark Elementary also has a really strong PFO - very telling of active parental involvement, which is key to a successful education. Stark is the only actual "neighborhood school" in Stamford, which makes it unique in that we don't have kids bussed in from other neighborhoods (unlike the magnet schools, where they take kids from all over the city). Being a part of a neighborhood school is helpful in strengthening our own community: we know each other well (but not on top of each other!), are a welcoming, diverse community, and care about our neighbors. I can't tell you how important this is for us in that our children have many neighborhood friends and we don't have to drive all over the city for play dates. Keep that in mind when buying a home! Convenience is everything when you're a parent, and I feel I am able to give my kids "more" of a social life by living in the Glenbrook neighborhood to which Stark is districted. Our younger child had some behavior issues at the beginning of the year and the teachers & administration were extremely helpful in working with our child to give her an optimal educational experience while addressing her behavior. There are two therapists and a psychologist at Stark. Our child works with one of the therapists who has been successful at helping her integrate better into the classroom. We are so grateful for this.

Stark is a fantastic neighborhood school despite their poor rating on this website. The teachers are phenomenal, and administration is very effective, very approachable, and very responsive to parent questions/concerns. There are so many events geared towards getting parents/families involved and to that end, it feels like a tight-knit community. The population is very diverse and the community celebrates this.

Parents, thank you all for your remarks. I'm so grateful I read them. We're in the process of buying a condo in Stamford; only place we can afford at the moment and I was dismayed when I saw all the ranking by this and other sites. Your comments have rekindled my spirits and I will move with full force ahead. Really, thank you!!!