P.S. 036 J. C. Drumgoole

Test scores at Drumgoole beat the district by roughly 10 percentage points in both subjects — 70.6% ELA proficiency versus the Staten Island average of 61.3%, and 71.1% math versus 61.0%. The school has rebounded strongly from a dip in 2019 (when ELA fell to 56.1%), climbing steadily to hit 70.6% in 2025. Math improved from 60.3% in 2016 to 71.1% now, showing consistent upward momentum. Grade-level breakdown shows strong performance across the board, with 5th grade math leading at 74.8% and 4th grade ELA at 73.5%. The overall score of 2.83/4 reflects solid performance above what most district schools achieve.

This is a school where relationships are genuine: 99% of families report strong relationships, 97% trust teachers, and 93% trust the principal. Teacher-reported safety is a perfect 100% — notably above the district average of 95%. The discipline record is spotless with zero suspensions for three straight years. However, there's a tension here: while attendance registers at 94% (above district average), the chronic absenteeism rate of 84.1% is extraordinarily high — meaning a huge share of students are missing at least 10% of the school year. This suggests that even in a high-trust, high-safety environment, getting kids to school consistently is a real challenge. Teacher instruction quality scores at 83%, which is below the district average of 93% — a gap worth investigating.

The student body is 70% White, 15% Hispanic, 13% Asian, and 2% multiracial — reflecting the Annadale-Huguenot-Prince's Bay-Woodrow neighborhood, which is 80% homeowners with a median household income of $118,500 and just 5.4% poverty. Twenty-one percent of students have IEPs, and the economic need index sits at 30.9% — notably lower than citywide averages. PTA fundraising is robust at $276 per student, nearly double the district average of $141, indicating active family involvement. The diversity index of 51% is moderate — less diverse than citywide norms but not homogenous.

Annadale-Huguenot-Prince's Bay-Woodrow is a stable, family-dense section of Staten Island characterized by single-family homes, a 79.5% homeownership rate, and very low poverty (5.4%). The neighborhood scores 87 out of 100 on safety and 96 on health environment — meaning clean air, low lead exposure, and relatively low asthma rates. Transit access is limited (score of 19.9), so most families drive. Education orientation is strong (68.6), and family density scores 65.5 — you're in kid-friendly territory. There's not much walkable commercial activity, but that's by design in this suburban-style pocket of Staten Island.

This is a car-dependent neighborhood. Families typically drive to school; the low transit score (19.9) reflects minimal subway or bus options. Walking is common for families who live within the zoned area, but the school is not situated near a commercial hub.