P.S. 036 Margaret Douglas

Test scores at P.S. 036 have more than doubled since 2016 — ELA went from 16.6% to 47.1% and math from 20.1% to 41.3% — a genuine upward trajectory that reflects sustained effort. However, both subjects still fall below the District 5 averages (53.9% ELA, 50.7% math), placing the school in the lower tier compared to peer schools. Third-grade performance is strongest (50% ELA, 48.5% math), while fifth-grade math drops to 42.3%. The school is catching up, but not yet leading.

The survey data tells a nuanced story. Parents feel heard and trusted — 92% satisfaction and 96% parent-teacher trust are exceptional. Teachers report feeling safe (93%) and valued by families, and 88% rate instruction quality highly. But there's a crack in the middle: teacher-principal trust sits at only 63%, significantly below the district average, while teacher collegial trust is a healthier 82%. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three straight years — a strong discipline record. The red flag is attendance: at 85.6% overall and with 45.9% chronic absenteeism (nearly half the student body), getting kids to school consistently is the biggest climate challenge.

P.S. 036 reflects the neighborhood's demographics: 59% Hispanic, 33% Black, with small Asian (2%) and white (5%) populations. The economic need index of 87.2% is very high — most families here qualify for free or reduced lunch. Nearly 28% of students have IEPs, indicating significant special education population. The diversity index of 55% shows moderate variety, though the community is predominantly two groups. This is a working-class school in an increasingly mixed-income neighborhood.

Morningside Heights is defined by its proximity to Columbia University and Barnard College — the neighborhood has an education orientation score of 82.76, meaning families here value schools. Transit access is excellent (90.42 score) via the 125th Street and 116th Street subway stations. However, the safety score of 34.87 is low, and the poverty rate of 22.9% means many families face economic stress. Only 12.1% of households have children, so this isn't a heavily family-oriented area — but those who are here are invested. Parks and green space are nearby, and the neighborhood has a college-town feel with growing density.

The school is walkable from most of its zoned area, with good subway access via the 1 train at 125th Street and the A/B/C/D at 125th. Families from further east may find the walk uphill on Morningside Drive challenging, especially in winter. Car traffic is a concern given the area's collision rate.