P.S. 038 George Cromwell

Test scores have rebounded significantly — 2025 marks the highest ELA (54%) and math (56.4%) proficiency since 2016, reversing a decline that saw scores drop to the mid-30s in 2019. However, the school still trails the district average (61% ELA, 61% math) by a noticeable margin. The pattern across grades is striking: 5th graders perform strongly (78.4% ELA, 66% math), while 3rd graders lag behind (41.5% ELA). This could indicate strong upper-grade instruction, younger cohorts still adjusting, or other factors worth asking about at open houses.

The survey data tells a remarkably positive story about day-to-day life at this school. Parents rate trust in teachers and the principal at 98%, and 100% report 'strong relationships' — these are exceptional figures. Teachers similarly report near-universal safety (98%) and high instruction quality (95%). The trade-off: teacher trust in leadership (82%) and collegial trust (78%) are solid but notably lower than parent trust, suggesting some internal dynamics that differ from the family experience. Discipline is a bright spot — zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The catch: chronic absenteeism at 67% is very high, pulling down the 91.8% attendance rate, and notably worse for male students (70%) and Asian students (91.3%).

The student body reflects the neighborhood's character: predominantly white (38%) with substantial Asian (29%) and Hispanic (26%) representation, giving the school a diversity index of 73% — meaningfully diverse for Staten Island. Economic need is notable at 71.9%, higher than the area's low poverty rate (9.5%) might suggest, likely reflecting student demographics rather than immediate neighborhood conditions. At 375 students across grades PK-5, the school is small, which may contribute to the strong relational outcomes parents report. PTA fundraising at $50 per student is below the district average ($141), indicating less financial resources for enrichment compared to peer schools.

New Dorp-Midland Beach is a stable, residential Staten Island neighborhood dominated by single-family homes (75% homeownership) with a median home value of $652,000. The area scores well on safety (71st percentile) and stability (89th percentile), with low poverty (9.5%) and strong family income ($91,669 median). It's less transit-connected (51st percentile) and has a lower concentration of families with children (31st percentile) compared to more family-dense parts of the city. The health environment scores exceptionally high (95th percentile), though lead exposure and asthma rates show some concern. For families, the neighborhood offers a suburban feel with good walkability in certain areas.

Walkability varies by exact location within the neighborhood — many families walk or drive, with limited public transit options compared to other boroughs. The area is car-friendly, which suits the suburban character.