P.S. 020 Anna Silver

Test scores at Anna Silver sit well below the District 1 averages — 35.2% ELA proficiency versus 51.7% districtwide, and 34.2% math versus 47.4% — placing the school in the lower tier of Manhattan elementary schools. The overall quality review score of 1.39/4 reflects this gap. However, there's meaningful variation by grade: 4th graders perform notably better (43.9% ELA, 41.9% math) while 3rd graders lag (25.7% ELA, 28.6% math), suggesting early elementary grades may need additional support. The school has recovered from a pandemic dip in 2022 (22% ELA) and returned to roughly pre-COVID proficiency levels by 2025.

This is where Anna Silver genuinely shines. Survey data shows remarkable strength: 95% parent-teacher trust, 96% parent-principal trust, 99% teacher-principal trust, and 96% teacher instruction quality ratings. Teachers report feeling supported and collaborative. The school is perceived as safe (90% teacher-reported safety). Discipline is minimal — just 2 suspensions in 2023-24 after two years of zero suspensions — reflecting a restorative approach. However, chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 47.2%, nearly half the student body missing significant school time, which likely contributes to academic struggles.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (55%) with substantial Asian enrollment (20%), Black students (15%), and a small White population (8%). With 21% IEP students and 75.3% economic need index, the school serves a high-need population. The diversity index of 69% reflects this mix. PTA fundraising of $136 per student is below the district average of $272, indicating less discretionary family income available for school enrichment — a reality in a neighborhood where median household income is $58,035 and 23.1% live in poverty.

The Lower East Side is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood with strong educational orientation (89.27 score) but significant safety concerns (16.09 safety score). Families benefit from excellent subway access (88.51 transit score) and stability (77.78), but environmental health indicators are concerning — elevated lead rates (8.7%) and high asthma emergency department visits (155 per 10,000). The area has low homeownership (23.3%) and few families with children (6.5% of households), meaning school families are in the minority locally.

Highly walkable neighborhood with excellent subway access — families without cars can easily reach the school, though the area's safety concerns (high crime density and collision rates) mean younger children may need accompaniment.