P.S. 018 John G. Whittier

Test scores at P.S. 018 are significantly below the Staten Island district average — 18.9% in ELA and 23.6% in math compared to roughly 61% district-wide. The school saw a troubling decline from its 2019 peak (ELA 37.7%, Math 32.4%) and has continued dropping, now sitting near its lowest historical levels. Fifth graders perform slightly better than younger grades in reading (24.4%), while fourth graders show the most struggle (12% ELA). Given that the district average overall score is 2.45 out of 4, this school's 0.85 represents substantial ground to cover.

The school shows a striking split between family and teacher perspectives. Parents give near-perfect marks: 91% satisfaction, 96% trust in teachers, 98% trust in the principal, and 100% report strong relationships. Teachers rate instruction quality highly at 91%. However, teacher-reported safety is only 75% (versus 95% district average), teacher-principal trust sits at 67%, and collegial trust among teachers is just 53%. Attendance is a serious concern — the 88.6% attendance rate trails the district, and over half of students are chronically absent. On a positive note, suspensions are nonexistent, indicating a restorative or supportive approach to behavior.

The school population is predominantly Black (41%) and Hispanic (46%), with a small White minority (8%) and very few Asian students. The diversity index of 63% reflects a mixed community. Nearly 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating high economic need. This contrasts with the surrounding neighborhood, where median household income exceeds $109,000 and poverty is only 10% — suggesting the school draws from a broader area or serves a population with greater need than the immediate neighborhood.

West New Brighton-Silver Lake-Grymes Hill is a relatively stable, family-oriented Staten Island neighborhood with high homeownership (57%) and low poverty (10%). The area scores well on stability (90th percentile) and health environment (92nd percentile), though safety scores are moderate (70.5). Transit access is limited compared to other parts of the city (51st percentile). This is a residential area where families tend to stay long-term, with a solid education orientation.

As a zoned school serving this Staten Island neighborhood, most families walk or drive. The area is car-oriented with limited public transit options compared to more urban parts of the city.