Our Principal

Suzanne Barbi is the principal at Parkway School. She began her love of learning by earning a Bachelor of Arts in history from Providence College. After a short career in finance, Mrs. Barbi received her master’s in the science of education from Fordham University. She then taught K–4 grade students at P.S. 49 in the South Bronx. As Mrs. Barbi’s leadership responsibilities expanded, she left NYC to pursue her second master’s in education at Harvard University, where she received her degree as well as her principal certification.

After returning to New Jersey, Mrs. Barbi served as an assistant principal, principal, and curriculum coordinator in other northern New Jersey school districts. In 2009, Mrs. Barbi became the principal at Parkway School and found her permanent home as the leader of an amazing community of learners. Mrs. Barbi is committed to creating kind, responsible, thoughtful citizens at Parkway School and thoroughly enjoys her role.

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parkway Families,

The development of class lists for the 2026–2027 school year will begin in May. This is a thoughtful and collaborative process, and our team takes great care in considering each child as an individual learner. When creating class placements, we look at a range of factors, including academic strengths and areas for growth, social and emotional development, learning styles, behavior patterns, and opportunities for leadership. Our goal is to create balanced, heterogeneous classes where all students are supported and positioned to grow.

To ensure fairness and equity for all students, we do not accept requests for specific teachers or classmates. While we understand that families may have preferences, honoring such requests can make it difficult to build well-balanced class communities across the grade level.

If there is important information about your child that you feel the school may not already know, you are welcome to share it in writing. Please submit an email to me by May 15. These letters should focus on your child’s needs and should not include requests for specific teachers.

Please know that this is a process we take very seriously. Our educators work together to thoughtfully group students, and I ultimately assign teachers to each class to ensure the best possible learning environment for all children.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the main office to schedule a time to speak.

Take care,

Suzanne Barbi

Suzanne Barbi
Principal
Parkway Elementary School