P.S. 029 Bardwell

Test scores at P.S. 029 Bardwell have climbed dramatically, jumping from the low 60s in 2019 to 79% ELA and 72% math in 2025—roughly 18 and 11 points above the district averages respectively. The 2024 dip (55% ELA) appears to be an outlier, with the school rebounding strongly. Grade-level scores show consistent strength: 3rd graders hit 81% ELA, 4th graders at 73%, and 5th graders at 82% ELA. Math is solid across the board, with 3rd and 4th grade hitting roughly 78% and 72%. The overall quality rating of 3.02 outpaces the district average of 2.45.

This is a school where families feel heard and teachers feel supported. Parent satisfaction sits at 95%, teacher-principal trust at an extraordinary 99%, and teacher-reported safety at 100%. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years—a rare achievement that suggests either effective behavior management or a particularly cooperative student body (or both). Teacher instruction quality scores 94%, and teacher collegial trust is 91%. The only tension: chronic absenteeism is staggeringly high at 77%, with particularly high rates among Asian students (88%) and white students (83%). This suggests attendance is a systemic challenge even when families report being highly satisfied with the school.

With 602 students, P.S. 029 is a mid-sized elementary school. The demographics are notably diverse for Staten Island: 42% white, 24% Asian, 23% Hispanic, 7% Black, and 3% multiracial, yielding a diversity index of 76%—high for the borough. About 23% of students have IEPs, slightly above typical. The economic need index of 46 suggests a moderate mix of students from varying income backgrounds, though the neighborhood is largely affluent (median household income $126,525). PTA fundraising is $87 per student—below the district average of $141, which may reflect the neighborhood's more modest giving culture or different fundraising norms.

Westerleigh-Castleton Corners is one of Staten Island's most stable, family-oriented neighborhoods. With a 95.4% stability score and 84.29 education orientation, it's a place where families put down roots and prioritize schools. Only 4% of residents live in poverty, and 78% own their homes. The neighborhood scores well for safety (80) and health environment (92), though transit access is limited (47)—this is a car-dependent area. There's a strong sense of community here, with 28% of households having children.

The neighborhood is relatively walkable for Staten Island, with quiet residential streets, but most families drive given the limited transit options. Victory Boulevard provides main road access. Families without cars should factor in the logistics of getting to school.