Discovering the Top Public Elementary Schools in New York City
New York City offers a diverse landscape of public elementary education, characterized by high academic standards and unique curricular features. This overview highlights some of the most distinguished institutions, examining their performance metrics, pedagogical approaches, and community engagement.
P.S. 77 Lower Lab School
P.S. 77 Lower Lab School is positioned in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, renowned for its demanding academic environment. Serving grades K-5, it maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 21:1, allowing for personalized instruction. The school reports approximately 98% of students achieving proficiency in math and reading, reflecting its strong emphasis on foundational skills. Its active parental involvement further bolsters its reputation among top NYC elementary schools.
New Explorations Into Science, Technology, and Math (NEST)
NEST caters to a K-12 student body of about 1,800 in Manhattan. With a demographic composition of approximately 61% students of color, the school offers an inclusive environment. Its student-to-teacher ratio stands at 18:1. Achievement levels are notable, with 97% of students proficient in math and 98% in reading. Additionally, NEST ranks fifth among the best public middle schools in the state, highlighting its comprehensive STEM curriculum.
P.S. 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School
P.S. 6 The Lillie Devereaux Blake School, established in 1894, remains one of the most historic and esteemed elementary institutions in NYC. Located on the Upper East Side, it educates approximately 800 students across grades K-5. Class sizes typically range from 23 to 28 pupils. Its reputation hinges on academic excellence and community support, making it a popular choice for families seeking quality public education.
P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor School
P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor School occupies an entire block along York Avenue, serving students from grades K-5. Initiated in the mid-1890s, it boasts high test scores, reflective of rigorous educational standards adopted in the 1990s, aimed at aligning with nationwide performance benchmarks. The school emphasizes teacher qualifications, with around 88% holding master’s degrees or higher qualifications, contributing to its academic success.
The Anderson School (P.S. 334)
The Anderson School (P.S. 334) serves grades K-8 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Its comprehensive curriculum integrates arts with traditional academics, emphasizing STEAM fields. The school maintains an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio and is known for its challenging academic standards and creative programs, fostering well-rounded development in its students.
P.S. 41 Greenwich Village
P.S. 41 Greenwich Village caters to grades K-5 in a vibrant neighborhood setting. Recognized for strong academic achievements, the school supports arts, music, and physical education programs alongside core subjects. Its student-to-teacher ratio remains at a manageable 18:1, promoting active engagement and community involvement among students and families.
P.S. 196 Grand Central Parkway
P.S. 196 Grand Central Parkway serves the Queens neighborhood of Forest Hills, encompassing grades PK-5. With 787 students, it offers a teacher ratio of 16:1. The school’s academic performance is distinguished by 96% proficiency in math and 94% in reading, demonstrating consistent excellence across core areas.
Success Academy Charter Schools
Success Academy Charter Schools form a prominent network across NYC, recognized for their rigorous curriculum and high student achievement. Notable campuses include:
- Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst: Encompassing grades K-4, it educates roughly 649 students. The school demonstrates strong academic outcomes, emphasizing college readiness and leadership skills.
- Success Academy Charter School – Bushwick: Serving grades K-4 with a student body of 478, it emphasizes rigorous academics, high standards, and holistic student development.
P.S. 172 Beacon School of Excellence
P.S. 172 Beacon School of Excellence is situated in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood, offering grades PK-5. Its enrollment of about 445 students is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio of 12.9:1. The school boasts a proficiency rate of 95% in both math and reading, reflecting its effective instructional strategies and focus on academic excellence.
The 30th Avenue School
The 30th Avenue School is a citywide gifted and talented elementary school located in Astoria, Queens. It serves grades K-8 and enrolls approximately 485 students. With an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio, it consistently achieves high proficiency scores—96% in math and 97% in reading—reinforcing its reputation for academic rigor in advanced curricula.
P.S. 35 The Clove Valley School
P.S. 35 The Clove Valley School is positioned in Staten Island, serving grades K-5 with an approximate enrollment of 400 students. It maintains a consistent record of academic excellence, earning the prestigious National Blue Ribbon recognition for its outstanding achievement in student performance and school quality.
These institutions exemplify New York City’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public elementary education. They offer students a solid foundation through rigorous academics, enriched curricula, and active community engagement, setting a benchmark for quality education within the city’s public school system.
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
