Exploring the Top Public Elementary Schools in New York City
New York City is home to a diverse and vibrant array of public elementary schools. These institutions stand out for their academic achievements, innovative programs, and commitment to fostering well-rounded students. Here, we examine some of the city’s most notable elementary schools, highlighting their unique qualities, performance metrics, and educational offerings.
P.S. 77 Lower Lab School
Located at 1700 3rd Avenue, P.S. 77 Lower Lab School is distinguished by its exceptional academic track record. Serving grades K-5, it consistently demonstrates high proficiency rates, reflecting a rigorous curriculum and dedicated staff. During the 2025-26 school year, it was ranked as the leading public elementary school in New York State. An impressive 98% of students scored at or above proficiency levels in both math and reading, significantly exceeding city averages of 49% in reading and 47% in math. The school’s success is driven by targeted instruction, high expectations, and a supportive learning environment designed to cultivate academic excellence.
New Explorations Into Science, Technology, and Math School (NEST+m)
Sited at 111 Columbia Street, NEST+m functions as a specialized public school with a focus on STEM education. Enrolling students from kindergarten through 12th grade, it emphasizes a curriculum that integrates scientific inquiry, technological innovation, engineering principles, and mathematical reasoning. The school is renowned for its demanding academic standards and pioneering teaching approach, which fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Its consistent top-tier rankings underscore its dedication to cultivating future leaders in science and technology.
P.S. 6 Lillie Devereux Blake School
Established in 1894, P.S. 6 is located at 232 East 56th Street on the Upper East Side. It serves grades K-5, maintaining a reputation for high academic performance and robust parent involvement. The school benefits from a long-standing tradition of excellence, high test scores, and a dedicated faculty. Its rich history and active engagement efforts contribute to sustained success and a vibrant school community.
P.S. 172 Beacon School of Excellence
Positioned at 825 4th Avenue in Brooklyn, P.S. 172 caters to children from Pre-K through 5th grade. Recognized for outstanding academic achievement, the school consistently ranks among the top public elementary schools in New York. It emphasizes rigorous academics coupled with comprehensive support services, ensuring a high standard of student success. The school’s strategic focus on quality education and continuous performance improvement enhances its reputation within the borough.
The Anderson School (P.S. 334)
Located at 100 West 77th Street, The Anderson School serves grades K-8, providing a comprehensive, arts-integrated curriculum. This school emphasizes not only academics but also the arts, fostering imagination and creativity alongside rigorous learning standards. Its multidisciplinary approach includes music, visual arts, and theater, aiming to develop well-rounded students prepared for varied future pursuits. Its unique curriculum models a balanced focus on academic rigor and artistic development.
P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor School
Positioned at 1458 York Avenue, P.S. 158 educates students from Pre-K to 5th grade. Known for its high academic standards, the school offers a rigorous curriculum centered on core subjects and enriched with supplemental programs. Its history of strong standardized test scores, coupled with dedicated teachers and involved families, marks it as a consistently high-performing elementary institution in the city.
P.S. 41 Greenwich Village School
Located at 116 West 11th Street, P.S. 41 serves grades K-5. The school’s reputation is built on its strong academic record and active parent community. Known for fostering a collaborative learning environment, P.S. 41 emphasizes high-quality instruction, student engagement, and community involvement. Its historic roots and high standards make it a choice for families seeking excellence within Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
P.S. 321 William Penn School
Situated in Park Slope, Brooklyn, P.S. 321 teaches grades K-5. It stands out for its diverse student population and inclusive curriculum. The school promotes a range of enrichment programs tailored to varied student interests, supporting social and academic development. Its emphasis on diversity and engagement creates an inclusive community aimed at fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
P.S. 87 William Sherman School
Located on the Upper West Side at 50 West 107th Street, P.S. 87 offers grades K-5. Known for its vibrant arts programs and rigorous academics, it integrates creative disciplines with standard curriculum. The school nurtures artistic talents while maintaining high standards of achievement, helping students develop both academically and creatively.
P.S. 11 William T. Harris School
Found at 100 West 3rd Street in Greenwich Village, P.S. 11 is distinguished by community-oriented programs and innovative teaching methods. Serving grades K-5, the school encourages student participation in a range of extracurricular and enrichment activities. Its approach cultivates a strong sense of community and promotes active engagement in learning processes.
P.S. 35 The Clove Valley School
Located at 60 Foote Avenue in Staten Island, P.S. 35 has consistently ranked as Staten Island’s top elementary school. It earned the Blue Ribbon Award recognizing academic excellence and student achievement. The school offers a robust curriculum with a focus on academics, character development, and community involvement. Its supportive environment and high standards make it a favored choice among Staten Island families.
Shuang Wen School (P.S. 184)
Sited in Lower Manhattan at 183 Madison Street, Shuang Wen School is a dual-language program serving grades Pre-K through 8. The school employs Traditional Chinese instruction, with teaching utilizing the zhuyin phonetic system. Recognized nationally for excellence, it was awarded the Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education in 2008. The school’s bilingual curriculum promotes cultural preservation, academic rigor, and language proficiency.
Brooklyn School of Inquiry (P.S./I.S. 686)
Located at 50 Avenue P, Brooklyn, the Brooklyn School of Inquiry operates as a citywide Gifted and Talented (G&T) program. It serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Focused on inquiry-based learning, the school cultivates critical thinking and creativity through a constructivist approach. As the only G&T program in Brooklyn, it draws a diverse student body dedicated to academic excellence and innovative pedagogy.
Each of these institutions exemplifies the broad spectrum of priorities within New York City’s public elementary system. They collectively highlight a commitment to academic achievement, arts integration, bilingual instruction, and inclusive community engagement—elements essential to nurturing the city’s future leaders and innovators.
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK 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.
