I.S. 051 Edwin Markham

Test scores at Markham have improved substantially over the past decade — math proficiency rose from 21.7% in 2016 to 55.3% in 2025, and ELA climbed from 25.7% to 48.2% over the same period. However, both subjects remain below the district averages of 61.3% (ELA) and 61.0% (Math). The school scores 2.07 out of 4 overall, compared to the district average of 2.45. Performance is strongest in grade 8, where math reaches 63.8% proficiency — approaching district levels — while grade 6 and 7 show more ground to make up.

The school earns overwhelmingly positive marks on trust and instruction quality: 98% of teachers report high instructional quality, and 95% of families trust the principal — exceptional numbers. However, chronic absenteeism is a significant concern at 58.5%, well above the district average of 91.4% attendance. The suspension rate dropped from 64 in 2021-22 to just 23 in 2023-24, showing meaningful improvement in discipline climate. The disconnect between high trust scores and high chronic absenteeism suggests families may feel positively about the school but struggle with attendance logistics or other barriers.

The school enrollment of 1,351 students is predominantly Hispanic (48%) and Black (22%), with white students comprising 20% and Asian students 6%. This differs markedly from the surrounding neighborhood, which is 78.3% homeowner-occupied with a median income of $126,525 and only 4% poverty. The diversity index is 73%, and 31% of students have IEPs. The economic need index of 71.6% indicates the school draws students from beyond the immediate affluent neighborhood, likely attracting families through its screened admissions.

Westerleigh-Castleton Corners is a stable, residential Staten Island neighborhood characterized by single-family homes (78.3% homeownership) and a median home value of $646,927. The area scores very high on safety (80th percentile), education orientation (84th percentile), and stability (95th percentile), but lower on transit access (47th percentile). Families should expect to drive or rely on school buses — this is a car-dependent area. The neighborhood has strong health environment scores and low poverty, making it an attractive but relatively isolated pocket of Staten Island.

This is a car-dependent neighborhood with limited transit options. Most families drive or rely on school buses; walking is feasible for nearby residents but not practical for families outside the immediate area.