P.S. 004 Duke Ellington

P.S. 004 has posted some of the strongest academic gains in District 6, moving from roughly one-quarter of students proficient in ELA and math in 2016 to more than half in 2025. Math (62.2%) notably outpaces the district average of 52.1%, and ELA (50.6%) also beats the district's 47.0%. The school's 2.26 overall score puts it above the district average of 1.98. Grade-level data shows particular strength in third-grade math (70.2%) and fifth-grade ELA (65.2%), suggesting strong instruction in the upper elementary grades.

The survey data tells a complicated story. Families are overwhelmingly positive — 96% satisfied, 99% trusting both teachers and the principal, and 96% report strong relationships. However, teachers themselves are more measured: 86% trust the principal and rate instruction quality, which falls below the district average of 90.4%. Teacher-reported safety (84%) also lags the district average of 93.2%, though it's worth noting only 24 teachers responded to the survey, making that number less reliable. Discipline is essentially a non-issue with just one suspension last year.

The student body is 84% Hispanic, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. With an economic need index of 80.8% — among the highest in the city — most families here are navigating financial hardship. The diversity index sits at 36%, and 18% of students have IEPs. PTA fundraising is minimal at $13 per student (versus $52 district average), suggesting fewer discretionary resources for enrichment. This is a working-class community where families are invested in the school but may lack the bandwidth for extensive volunteer fundraising.

Washington Heights is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood in upper Manhattan with strong family presence (85th percentile for family density). The median home value of $750,201 indicates an area undergoing rapid change, though only 8% of residents own homes. Transit access is exceptional (96th percentile), making commutes manageable even without a car. The area scores low on safety (3.83), which may influence families' daily routines and comfort with walking to school. With 22% of households below the poverty line, this is a neighborhood where many families are balancing work schedules and economic stress.

Given the high transit score and low car ownership (92% renters), most families walk or take public transit. The school is accessible via multiple subway lines serving the 160th Street area. Families should expect a neighborhood where walking is common but should be aware of traffic and street safety considerations given the area's collision rate.