Motley
District 33
PublicDistrict 3Zoned

P.S. 087 William Sherman

160 WEST 78 STREET

At a Glance

A high-performing zoned school on the Upper West Side where academic excellence meets strong family-school partnerships

Best suited for

Families zoned for the Upper West Side who want academically strong schools with highly engaged parents and minimal discipline issues. This works best for families who can be present for school events and invest in the community culture — the high PTA participation and survey response rates suggest active family involvement is the norm here.

What stands out
  • Test scores 25-30 percentage points above district averages
  • Zero suspensions for three consecutive years
  • 100% of teachers report feeling safe at school
  • PTA fundraising of $1,139 per student — nearly double the district average
  • 98% parent trust in principal and teachers
Things to consider
  • Chronic absenteeism of 82% is high and affects classroom continuity
  • Less diverse student body than citywide averages — 60% White
  • Zoned admissions only — families outside the catchment need to explore other options
  • Very high chronic absenteeism among Asian (90%) and White (86%) students suggests some families may be opting out of full school days

Based on 2024-2025 data

School SummaryDistrict 3

Among District 3 peers, P.S. 087 scores strongly but sits below the specialized schools like Special Music School (100) and Anderson School (98). It performs comparably to high-performing zoned schools in the area and significantly outpaces district averages across nearly every metric. In the context of District 3's selective landscape, this is a strong zoned option that doesn't require a lottery application.

AcademicsImproving

Test scores here are in a different league than most district schools — 88% ELA and 84% math proficiency compared to the District 3 averages of 59% and 54%. The school has climbed steadily from 77% ELA in 2016 to today's 88%, with math following a similar trajectory. Grade-level breakdowns show consistency across grades 3-5, with third-grade ELA hitting 89% — truly standout performance. These scores place P.S. 087 among the top performers in District 3, though not quite at the level of the specialized schools that dominate the peer rankings.

Cultureconcerning

The survey data tells a remarkable story: 100% of teachers report feeling safe, 98% of parents trust the principal, and 92% rate instruction quality as good or excellent. Parent satisfaction at 93% runs well above the district average of 88%. There's essentially no disciplinary incidents — zero suspensions for three years running. Teachers show solid trust in leadership (88%) and each other (87%). The day-to-day feel appears collaborative and safe, with families and staff aligned around shared expectations.

Community

The student body is 60% White, 17% Hispanic, 10% Multi-Racial, 9% Asian, and 3% Black — notably less diverse than the city average but sitting in a neighborhood that's 80% college-educated. With an economic need index of only 12.8%, families here have significant resources. The PTA raised over $713,000 this year — about $1,139 per student, nearly double the district average — funding enrichment programs that families clearly value. This is an affluent, education-focused community that invests heavily in its public school.

NeighborhoodUpper West Side (Central)

The Upper West Side is a family-oriented paradise with near-perfect transit scores (91), exceptional family density (98th percentile), and strong education orientation (95). Median household income sits at $152,000, and 80% of residents have bachelor's degrees. The neighborhood has Central Park, excellent museums, and countless family resources. Safety scores here are moderate (24th percentile), which is typical for Manhattan but worth noting for families coming from quieter areas. The area is stable, walkable, and teeming with families with children.

Extremely walkable neighborhood — most families arrive on foot, and the excellent subway access makes car-free living very feasible for those coming from other parts of the city.

Academic Performance

ELA Proficiency

88.3%

Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

Math Proficiency

83.9%

Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

Survey Results

Family Feedback
Satisfaction
93%
Teacher Trust
98%
Principal Trust
98%
Teacher Perspective
Instruction
92%
Principal Trust
88%
Collegial Trust
87%
Safety
100%

NYC School Survey (2025) · 317 families responded (43% rate)

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Diverse
17%Hispanic/Latino
3%Black
60%White
9%Asian
10%Multi-Racial

NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23

PTA Fundraising

2024-25
$713,875total raised
$1,139per student

Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure

Economic Need & Special Populations

Economic Need Index
12.8%
IEP Students
15.5%

Discipline

0suspensions (0% of students)
3-Year Trend— Stable
21
22
23

NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)

Frequently Asked Questions
Is P.S. 087 William Sherman a good school?
On Motley, P.S. 087 William Sherman earns an overall quality score of 86/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 3 average.
What grades does P.S. 087 William Sherman serve?
P.S. 087 William Sherman serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into P.S. 087 William Sherman?
P.S. 087 William Sherman admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
Is P.S. 087 William Sherman public, charter, or private?
P.S. 087 William Sherman is a public school in NYC Community School District 3.
What neighborhood is P.S. 087 William Sherman in?
P.S. 087 William Sherman is in Upper West Side (Central), Manhattan.
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