P.S. 033 Chelsea Prep

ELA proficiency at 64.4% and math at 61% both fall below District 2 averages (73.2% and 72.5% respectively), placing this school in a lower tier compared to nearby peers like P.S. 77 Lower Lab (99/100) and Success Academy schools (96/100). The trend line shows volatility — scores peaked in 2023 at 70.7% ELA before dropping to 58.3% in 2024, then recovering to current levels. Grade 3 performs strongest (70.4% ELA), while Grade 4 lags (55.4% ELA), suggesting early elementary years go better than upper grades. The overall quality score of 2.51/4 trails the district average of 2.91.

Here's the paradox: parents absolutely love this school (95% satisfaction, 97% parent-teacher trust), but teachers tell a different story. Teacher-reported instruction quality sits at just 69% (well below the 90% district average), and only 72% of teachers trust the principal — though teacher-to-teacher collegial trust is strong at 95%. Safety, as reported by teachers, is 82% (below the 95% district average). Attendance is a concern: the 88% rate trails the 92% district average, and chronic absenteeism is strikingly high at 60.3%. Notably, absenteeism varies dramatically by group — 87.7% of white families and 90.3% of Asian families attend regularly, compared to just 45.4% of Black families and 37.4% of Hispanic families. The discipline record is clean with zero suspensions over three years, which could reflect either strong climate work or reluctance to remove students.

With 510 students, the school is mid-sized with a diverse makeup: 28% Hispanic, 26% Asian, 20% White, 19% Black, and 7% multiracial — giving it an 87% diversity index. The economic need index of 49.6% is notably higher than you'd expect given the surrounding neighborhood's affluence ($122k median household income), suggesting the school draws families from beyond the wealthiest blocks. At 17%, the IEP population is typical for the district.

Chelsea-Hudson Yards is a study in contrast: ultra-wealthy (median home value $985,856, only 11.9% poverty rate) but with a surprisingly low safety score (21.46 out of 100) and poor air quality indicators (elevated PM2.5 and asthma rates). The area scores highly on education orientation (86.59) and transit access (74.33), meaning families here are likely plugged into city resources and commuting options. The family density score (67.43) confirms this is a neighborhood where children live, even if households with children are only 6.4% of the total — that number likely understates the actual family presence due to the area's rapid development.

Chelsea and Hudson Yards are highly walkable with excellent subway access. Families in the zoned area likely walk or take short transit rides; parking can be challenging during school hours given the commercial character of parts of the neighborhood.