P.S. 032 The Gifford School

Test scores at P.S. 032 sit solidly above the Staten Island district average — ELA proficiency of 73.3% and math at 75.3% compare favorably to district means of 61.3% and 61.0% respectively. The school earns a 2.97 overall score versus the district average of 2.45, placing it in the upper tier. Grade-level breakdown shows Grade 3 and 4 performing strongest (math near 79%), while Grade 5 dips slightly to around 68% in both subjects — a modest slide that can be typical as students approach middle school transition. The eight-year trend shows consistent upward movement from 57% ELA in 2016 to the low-70s, with math following a similar trajectory.

The survey data tells a remarkably positive story — 96% of families report satisfaction, 97% trust teachers, and 100% of teachers report feeling safe at work. Teacher instruction quality scores 99%, and family-teacher relationships register a perfect 100%. These numbers suggest a warm, trusting environment where families feel heard and teachers feel supported. However, the chronic absenteeism rate of 79.2% is striking and cuts across nearly all demographic groups (78.9% male, 79.5% female, 78.4% White), suggesting structural attendance challenges — possibly tied to the neighborhood's family travel patterns or health factors — rather than school climate issues. The school has maintained zero suspensions for two of the past three years, indicating effective behavioral approaches.

The student body is 63% White, 18% Hispanic, 16% Asian, and 1% Black, with 2% multiracial — less diverse than the city overall but fairly representative of this particular Staten Island neighborhood. At 33.2%, the economic need index sits below the citywide average, reflecting the area's stable, middle-class character. The diversity index of 55% and IEP population of 25% suggest a student population with varied learning needs. PTA fundraising of $232 per student exceeds the district average of $141, indicating active family engagement and resources for enrichment programs.

Great Kills-Eltingville on Staten Island is a stable, residential neighborhood with high homeownership (80.5%), a poverty rate of just 6.7%, and median household income of $119,746. The area scores exceptionally high on stability (93.1%) and health environment (93.87%), with family density in the 62nd percentile. Safety scores 81.61, placing it in the upper tier, while transit access at 26.05 is limited — this is very much a car-dependent area. Education orientation scores 72.03, indicating families here value schooling. The neighborhood has elevated lead rates (15.1%) and asthma rates (47.3 per 1,000), health factors worth noting for families with environmental sensitivities.

Great Kills-Eltingville is car-dependent with low transit scores — most families drive or carpool to school. The area is residential and walkable within the immediate neighborhood but lacks the transit connectivity found in more urban parts of the city.