P.S. 064 Robert Simon

Test scores at P.S. 064 show a school still climbing back from steep pandemic losses. The current 42.1% ELA and 40.7% math proficiency both fall below District 1 averages (51.7% and 47.4% respectively), placing this school in the lower tier. However, the trajectory is encouraging — math has recovered from a 17.4% low in 2022, and Grade 3 students are performing at 50% ELA and 63.2% math, suggesting younger cohorts are building stronger foundations. The concerning gap is Grade 5 math, where only 14.3% of students are proficient — significantly below their peers in earlier grades.

The day-to-day culture at this school is defined by strong relationships and high family trust. Teachers report 100% instruction quality and 95% feeling safe at work, both exceeding district averages. Parents are remarkably engaged given the economic challenges — 95% report satisfaction and 98% trust the principal. However, there are equity gaps in attendance: chronic absenteeism sits at a high 48.8% overall, with female students at 60.9% and Hispanic students at 53.6% missing significantly more school than their peers. The school has maintained a zero suspension rate for three consecutive years, indicating restorative or preventive approaches to discipline.

This is a high-need, majority-Hispanic community school: 74% of students are Hispanic, 20% Black, with very few Asian or white students. The diversity index of 44% reflects this composition. With 86% economic need and 26% of students having IEPs, the population faces substantial challenges outside school walls. Yet the community holds together — family survey response rate of 46% is decent for a high-need school, and the PTA raised $5,584 though per-student giving ($26) lags far behind the district average of $272.

The East Village offers excellent transit access (93.1 score) and a stable, educated population (59.5% BA+), but it's not a traditional family neighborhood — only 6.6% of households have children. Safety scores are low (14.94), reflecting urban challenges, and the area has environmental health concerns including elevated asthma rates and PM2.5 exposure. Families here are likely renting (13.9% homeownership) in a high-cost market ($1.06M median home value).

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent subway access — families without cars can navigate easily, and the area's density makes short commutes typical for those living nearby