Robert Louis Stevenson School

I went to RLS many years ago, graduating in 1979. RLS remains a cornerstone of my life. Even now years later I remember it with the fondness one remembers ones own life. This was the period in which Lucille Rhodes was the driving psychological force behind the philosophy of the school - which was an open environment in which one could pursue one's own interests at ones own pace. RLS had about 67 students back then as I recall. In terms of "academic rigour" RLS was just right and it prepared me well for college. I went on to Vassar College and then to the University of Pennsylvania to earn a PhD in Philosophy and then a PhD in Psychology at Duke University. What did RLS teach me? A cynicism for the "system", a health scepticism for authority and a commitment to always be true to myself. These values I consider priceless.

My son is very bright but was depressed, oppositional and failing all his classes at Bronx Science. We enrolled him at Stevenson, and though it was not an immediate, magical solution to all his problems, over time and with the help of its caring and seemingly infinitely patient teachers and staff, he really changed. Each kid is part of an advisory group that can become quite close, and there's constant feedback, including student-teacher--rather than parent-teacher--conferences when grades are handed out (in the form of very detailed reports). One of the most immediate benefits of sending your child to Stevenson: you will never be asked to be a homework-enforcer, which in itself cuts down on tension at home. This is not the most academically rigorous environment (e.g., they offer no foreign languages, no A.P. anything; with a student body of at most 75, they can't offer a wide range of courses), but it was the right place for my son, who will go to college in the fall (incidentally, Stevenson's faculty and staff work with your child to handle the college application process, another way they help cut down on parent-child friction). My son needed to be at a place where teachers would meet him halfway and work with him where he was, rather than being baffled that he wasn't like all the other kids--Stevenson was that place, and I can't be more grateful to them.

My son was on the verge of dropping out, attending as few classes as possible. In Stevenson, he is thriving, participating in art projects, musical entertainments, sports and going to school willingly and joyfully! He's on the honor roll. Thank God for Stevenson. Our home is at peace and my son is more secure in his skin!

RLSS has a warm,welcoming environment and a wonderful sense of community. I am delighted that I chose to have our child attend this amazing school. The teaching staff and advisers have a genuine interest in the kids. My child's attitude about school has changed tremendously. He wants to be on time for school, he is responsible for his homework, interested in his classes and he has joined the after school sports team. I highly recommend this school.

They provide the academic and emotional support kids need to succeed! The new Headmaster of Stevenson is wonderful and the teachers are tremendously dedicated to their students.