P.S. 048 William G. Wilcox

Test scores at P.S. 048 land solidly above the district average — ELA at 72.8% and math at 73.6% compared to the district's 61% marks in each subject. Science is particularly strong at 83.2%. The historical trend shows some volatility: ELA dipped to 63.5% in 2024 before rebounding to 72.8% in 2025, while math has climbed steadily from 63% in 2022 to the current 73.6%. Grade-level data shows stronger performance in the elementary years (Grade 5 ELA hits 82.5%) with a slight tapering in middle school, though scores remain respectable across grades 6-8.

This is where P.S. 048 really stands out. Survey data tells a story of a school where families and staff genuinely trust leadership — parent satisfaction sits at 94%, parent-teacher trust at 97%, and parent-principal trust at an remarkable 98%. Teachers report 100% safety and give 97% marks for instruction quality. The discipline record is equally notable: zero suspensions in 2023-24 after small numbers in prior years. The one wrinkle is chronic absenteeism at 83.8%, which is high — though attendance overall (93.9%) is slightly above the district average. The day-to-day feel appears collaborative and safe, with 100% of respondents reporting strong relationships.

With 950 students, P.S. 048 is a mid-sized zoned school with demographics that reflect its diverse neighborhood: 48% White, 27% Asian, 18% Hispanic, and 5% Black, plus 2% multiracial students. The diversity index of 70% is notably high for Staten Island. Twenty percent of students have IEPs, and the economic need index sits at 45 — moderate need compared to citywide extremes. The enrollment includes a full K-8 range, meaning many families stay put from kindergarten through middle school.

The Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills area of Staten Island reads like a stable, middle-class family neighborhood: 63% homeownership, median home value around $651,000, and only 10% poverty. The education orientation score of 74.33 suggests this is a community that values schools. Safety scores at 71.26 are solid. Transit options are more limited here (46.74) — this is car country — but families with school-age children often walk or drive short distances. The area offers parks and neighborhood retail, though it lacks the density of Manhattan or parts of Brooklyn.

Typical Staten Island residential neighborhood — families mostly drive or walk short distances; not a transit-heavy area but manageable for local residents.