P.S. 052 John C. Thompson

P.S. 052's test scores place it solidly above the District 31 average — 68.9% ELA proficiency versus 61.3% districtwide, and 77.6% math versus 61.0% districtwide. The school's trajectory shows steady, sustained improvement over the past nine years, climbing from 51.2% ELA in 2016 to the high 60s, and math has jumped dramatically from 54.1% to 77.6% over the same period. Grade 3 leads the pack with 82.8% math proficiency, followed closely by Grade 4 at 70.1% ELA. These are numbers that reflect consistent instructional strength rather than a single strong cohort.

The survey data here is remarkable: 94% of parents report satisfaction, 98% trust their children's teachers, and 99% trust the principal — nearly universal confidence. Teachers echo that sentiment, with 97% reporting strong instruction quality and 100% feeling safe at work. The school has logged zero suspensions for three consecutive years, a discipline record that reflects either exceptional student behavior, strong restorative practices, or both. The one tension point is chronic absenteeism at 77.4%, which is high despite a 93.3% attendance rate — this suggests a meaningful subset of students miss significant school time, though the school clearly maintains a strong classroom culture for those present.

With 602 students, P.S. 052 is a mid-sized elementary that reflects its neighborhood: nearly half (48%) of students are white, 31% Asian, 17% Hispanic, and just 1% Black. The diversity index of 66% is solid for Staten Island, and the economic need index of 56 indicates a mixed-income population. The PTA raised roughly $131 per student last year ($78,993 total), which is slightly below the district average of $141 per student but still represents active family involvement.

New Dorp-Midland Beach is a stable, family-oriented section of Staten Island defined by single-family homes (75% homeownership) and a median home value of $652,000. The area scores very high on stability (88.5) and health environment (95), with low poverty (9.5%) and a median household income of $91,669. Transit access is limited (score 50.6) — this is very much a car-dependent neighborhood. Families describe it as safe and rooted, with generations of residents.

This is a car-dependent neighborhood. Most families drive or get dropped off; transit options are limited compared to other NYC areas, so commute times to school will factor into daily logistics