Mustard Seed School

I know Mustard Seed School for about 6 years now. I have three kids in the school, on all the Nest (pre-school), lower and upper school programs. I am deeply thankful for the many things the school brought to my kids: first, the school’s welcoming and safe environment adds to make them happy and optimistic kids – they care about those around them, they have a keen sense of what is right and wrong and are determined to stand up against what is unfair. These are all characteristics that good parents should instill, but it is great when the school is also aligned so strongly with these values. I am sure these are characteristics they will keep for the rest of their lives and that is very comforting to me as a parent; second, it makes them curious, inquisitive and resourceful; third, it gives them outstanding academic preparation.

I wanted to stress this last point, as it has been questioned by previous comments. In my professional life I end up interviewing a significant amount of PhDs from top American institutions. It is always surprising how hard it is to find someone that can think outside the box. The academic system they went through it certainly helped them learn the material, but some are not resourceful at all. What I like about MSS teaching is that they are working hard to bring that characteristic to their teaching, namely in mathematics. A couple of weeks ago I attended MSS math night, a conversation with parents about their math curriculum. I was really impressed with what I saw. The quality and dedication of the teaching staff is remarkable. They go out of their way to make sure their teaching is coordinated across disciplines. For instance, as they learn fractions in math, they learn about half and quarter notes in music.  Their staff/student ratio is low, especially in the upper school, so the kids have plenty of face time with the teachers. It also means a lot of resources available to them, as they prepare for high school. Finally, their ability to place students in the top high schools in the area also speaks for the quality of the program. We heard from a (certainly biased) set of alumni now in great high schools in NJ and Manhattan how well prepared they felt and how they naturally went directly to advanced programs in math at their high schools.

All in all, I think the facts talk for themselves. The school offers and excellent education. Adding to that the soft skills that the kids develop, I have no hesitation in strongly recommending this school.

One of the first things that a child at Mustard Seed School learns is that anything they do in school should be "SAFE, STRONG, and BEAUTIFUL." This is a great summary of what happens inside Mustard Seed every day.

The social environment at Mustard Seed is SAFE. Children are loved and known by their teachers, who celebrate each child at the end of the year by naming a specific quality of that child that is honorable. Students at MSS are guided to work together in groups, to respect other people's ideas, to experiment in creativity, and to celebrate life.

The academics at Mustard are STRONG without being rote and without being traditional. Whenever possible, curriculum is integrated in order to make it real to students. The study of science is not separated from the artistic loveliness of the natural world. Excellent literature is connected to the ideas of social studies and history. Math is not just numbers--it is a system of patterns and concepts that help students to see the world. Music, art, building, and drama make their way into the weekly--sometimes daily--life of students.

Students at MSS create and appreciate what is BEAUTIFUL--in their writing, in their artwork, in their daily worship, on their field trips, in their singing, and in their relationships.

For the past 6 years, we have driven our children from Astoria, Queens to Hoboken, New Jersey because we believe that Mustard Seed School gives them the best education available in the New York City area.

Our children have attended Mustard Seed School since 2005. We have found over the years that, while the school isn't "perfect," our children are receiving an academic experience on par with friends in fancy private schools in Manhattan. And their social education is better than any other school I know.

I’m a parent and all three of my children went to Mustard Seed from K through 8th grade.  All three were accepted into highly regarded Manhattan independent high schools.  All three did well at their respective high schools.  They all got 5s on the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Tests and either 4s or 5s on the Calculus BC tests.  (A 5 is the highest score and a 4 is considered very proficient.  The AB test only covers through differentiation while the BC test includes integration.)  They all took the Physics AP tests and received either a 4 or 5.  Two took the Chemistry AP test and got a 4 or a 5.  Freshman year at one of the schools, either the math or science teacher (I can’t remember now) thought that since my child came from a Christian school in Hoboken, that my child would not be well enough prepared to do the work in this teacher’s class.  My child proved that teacher wrong by being one of the best students in the class and later was accepted into the advanced classes at that school taught by the same teacher.  All three have been accepted at top 20 research universities for their college studies.  One graduated with a double major in mathematical economics and statistics and now has a very well paying job.  Another is majoring in engineering, and the third is majoring (like the older sibling) in economics and statistics.  The claim that the school is somehow inadequate in math and science education does not ring true when I look at my children.  

There is more to Mustard Seed than the academics, though.  They really work on developing the child as a complete person – socially, emotionally and religiously.  I can very honestly say that I found it very comforting to know that the values I tried to teach my children at home (hard work, discipline, courtesy, inquisitiveness, etc.) were supported by the School.

Mustard Seed School gave my kids a rock-solid educational foundation in K-8. Both are now flourishing at competitive high schools; I'd be surprised if they don't flourish at competitive colleges. The notion that MSS has substandard academic standards is preposterous. No school is perfect, and no school is for everyone. But parents who want a first-rate academic experience in a diverse environment with an intentional  -- though not doctrinaire -- Christian world view, won't find a better choice in the metro area.

I have had my child at MSS for 3 years and am actively involved as a parent.  Like every school there are things that can improve, but the school has an incredible commitment to the children it serves.  Every teacher knows my child and seems genuinely interested in making the experience wonderful for the kids.  The education has been terrific and we are tough critics.  The art program is outstanding.

My daughter attended MSS from 1st-8th grade. The school taught her to be a discipled scholar, a community leader, and to be a compassionate person who can articulate her faith. The arts and music rounded out her experience.

Every teacher knew her by name (and they knew me as well!). She was loved and challenged  by a team of nurturing, well qualified teachers who make huge sacrifices to work at a school they love.

She went on to High Tech High School and just graduated after 4 years on an academic scholarship from Drew University!

Thank you Mustard Seed School for the many ways you built this foundation for my child!

This school seems to have lost its way. We found the teachers to be under qualified and unmotivated, spending most of their time in petty discipline instead of teaching. It is no wonder that so many students end up leaving after 4th or 5th grade for better schools in the area.

We are extremely pleased.