P.S. 034 Franklin D. Roosevelt

Test scores at P.S. 034 remain below district averages — 35.1% ELA and 24.8% math versus District 1's 51.7% and 47.4% — but the upward trend is real. Over eight years of data, scores dipped to their lowest in 2022 (20.8% ELA, 4.6% math) and have since climbed substantially, adding 14+ percentage points in both subjects. Grade 4 performs best (43.5% ELA, 33.3% math), while Grade 6 math lags at just 5.3%. The overall quality score of 1.2/4 places the school in the lower tier of District 1, though the trajectory suggests recent interventions may be working. Teacher instruction quality scores 75%, below the district average of 87%, indicating classroom instruction may be an area where families want to ask questions.

The culture data tells a complex story. On the trust side, P.S. 034 shines: 97% parent-teacher trust, 93% parent-principal trust, and 100% of families reporting strong relationships — numbers that far exceed district averages. Teachers report 87% safety perception and 83% collegial trust. But the attendance picture is troubling. At 90% attendance, the school sits slightly above the district average of 88.9%, yet the chronic absenteeism rate of 64.8% is exceptionally high — meaning most students are missing enough school to be considered at risk of falling behind. Hispanic students face the highest rates at 71.7%. On discipline, the school has achieved zero suspensions this year, down from 4 in 2021-22 and 6 in 2022-23 — a clear improvement in approach to behavior. The day-to-day feel seems to be one of strong relational trust between families and staff, but consistent attendance is a struggle many families face.

P.S. 034 serves 258 students in a predominantly Black and Hispanic student body: 42% Black, 53% Hispanic, 3% Asian, and 2% White, with a diversity index of 51%. The economic need index is very high at 94.4%, and 34% of students have IEPs — both well above typical district averages. Class sizes average 21.2 students, matching the district norm. The neighborhood itself has a median household income of $87,728 with 59.5% of residents holding a BA+ degree, but only 6.6% of households have children, making this a neighborhood with many professionals but relatively few families. The disconnect between the neighborhood's affluence and the school's high economic need suggests many students here come from households facing significant challenges despite the surrounding area's prosperity.

The East Village offers excellent transit access (93.1 percentile) and stability (77th percentile), but scores poorly on family density (57th percentile) and education orientation (14th). Safety indicators show elevated concerns: crime density is high (5,435 per 100k), and environmental health metrics reveal elevated lead rates (9.3%) and asthma emergency department visits (155 per 100k). The neighborhood is known for its walkability, diverse dining and cultural scene, and access to Tompkins Square Park. However, only 6.6% of households have children, meaning families here are somewhat rare — which can feel isolating or supportive depending on what you're looking for.

Highly walkable — the East Village is one of Manhattan’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with excellent subway access. Families can comfortably walk or take short bus rides to school.