Exploring the Top Public Elementary Schools in New York City
New York City’s public elementary education system is renowned for its diversity and academic excellence. The city offers a broad spectrum of institutions designed to meet varied student needs, from traditional academics to specialized programs. This overview highlights key elementary schools distinguished by high performance, innovative curricula, and community involvement, providing an informed snapshot for families, educators, and policymakers.
P.S. 77 Lower Lab School
Located at 1700 3rd Avenue, P.S. 77 Lower Lab School serves grades K-5. It holds a perfect 10/10 rating and ranks within the top 1% of New York City schools. Academic achievement is a cornerstone, with proficiency rates at 97% for both math and reading. The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 supports individualized attention within a solid instructional framework. With a minority enrollment of 66%, the school demonstrates diverse representation. Its recognition as a Blue Ribbon School underscores its commitment to teaching excellence and innovative pedagogical approaches. The school’s reputation emphasizes an integrated curriculum fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
New Explorations Into Science, Technology, and Math School (NEST+M)
Situated at 111 Columbia Street, NEST+M is a K-12 institution distinguished for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The school attracts academically gifted students seeking a demanding and comprehensive curriculum. Its reputation for rigorous academics makes it a top choice for families prioritizing STEM education. NEST+M provides advanced coursework, research opportunities, and leadership development, fostering a student body prepared for future challenges. The school’s consistently high ranking reflects its success in cultivating a challenging learning environment that emphasizes inquiry and innovation.
P.S. 172 Beacon School of Excellence
Located at 825 4th Avenue, P.S. 172 offers programs for Pre-K through 5th grade. The school boasts a perfect 10/10 rating, ranking within NYC’s elite. Proficiency rates at 90-94% for math and approximately 95% for reading attest to its academic achievement. An 11:1 student-teacher ratio allows for more personalized instruction and greater teacher-student engagement. With an enrollment of 82% minorities, P.S. 172 exemplifies a multicultural learning environment. Being a Blue Ribbon School emphasizes its dedication to high standards and student success through innovative teaching practices and community involvement.
The Anderson School
At 100 W 77th Street, The Anderson School caters to grades K-8. It achieves a 10/10 rating and stands among NYC’s top elementary and middle schools. Academic proficiency is exceptional, with 97% in both math and reading. The school maintains an impressively low student-teacher ratio of 10:1, facilitating tailored instruction and student support. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, The Anderson School emphasizes rigorous academics, creative problem-solving, and leadership. Its holistic approach combines strong academic programs with extracurricular opportunities to develop well-rounded students.
P.S. 6 The Lillie Devereux Blake School
Established in 1894 on the Upper East Side, P.S. 6 has a long-standing tradition of educational excellence. This K-5 school is renowned for its active parent involvement and robust academic programs. Known for fostering a nurturing environment, the institution emphasizes support, discipline, and academic rigor. Its historic reputation for excellence continues to attract families seeking a stable, high-quality education for their children. The school’s long-standing community connections and active PTAs contribute to its ongoing success.
P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor School
At 1458 York Avenue, P.S. 158 serves Pre-K through 5th grade with a focus on high standards and community engagement. It is recognized for exemplary teaching staff and student achievement. The school’s approach combines rigorous academics with social-emotional learning, fostering development in a supportive setting. Its reputation for academic excellence aligns with its emphasis on creating inclusive and diverse learning experiences.
P.S. 41 Greenwich Village School
Located at 116 West 11th Street, P.S. 41 emphasizes active parental participation and inclusive education. The school offers comprehensive programs designed to meet diverse learning needs, fostering a strong sense of community. Its curriculum balances core academics with arts and extracurricular activities, providing a holistic education. The school’s reputation for creating inclusive classrooms emphasizes mutual respect, collaboration, and academic achievement, making it a sought-after option in Manhattan.
P.S. 35 The Clove Valley School
Situated at 60 Foote Avenue in Staten Island, P.S. 35 has earned a national reputation for academic excellence. The school received a Blue Ribbon recognition based on student achievement and school performance. Its success is driven by dedicated teachers, rigorous standards, and an active parent community. The school emphasizes personalized learning, higher-order thinking, and a comprehensive curriculum across subjects. Its long history of success makes it a cornerstone of Staten Island’s educational landscape.
Shuang Wen School
Located in Lower Manhattan, Shuang Wen School offers a dual-language program serving Pre-K through 8th grade. Instruction is provided in both English and Mandarin, fostering bilingual fluency and cross-cultural understanding. Known for its high academic standards and innovative language immersion, the school attracts families seeking global competence. Its commitment to bilingual education and academic rigor makes it a distinctive option among New York City public schools. The school also offers arts, sports, and leadership programs to enhance student development.
Brooklyn School of Inquiry
At 50 Avenue P in Brooklyn, Brooklyn School of Inquiry serves grades K-8. It’s the only citywide Gifted and Talented program in Brooklyn and one of five across the city. The school’s curriculum emphasizes progressive, constructivist learning, encouraging inquiry, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. The school’s unique focus on gifted education creates an accelerated environment tailored to high-achieving students. Its innovative approach aims to develop critical thinkers who are prepared for advanced studies and real-world challenges.
These schools demonstrate the incredible range of options available within New York City’s public elementary education system. They exemplify a commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and innovative approaches tailored to meet the needs of a dynamic urban population. Each institution offers distinct programs and environments designed to foster both academic achievement and personal growth, ensuring that families can find schools aligned with their priorities and values.
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.
