P.S. 115 Alexander Humboldt

Math proficiency hit 53% in 2025 — the highest in the school's modern history and slightly above the district average of 52.1%. ELA at 38.1% remains below the district average of 47%, though this represents significant growth from the 11.9% posted in 2016. The 2024 scores dipped notably (ELA fell to 23.8%), suggesting some volatility in performance, but the 2025 rebound is encouraging. Grade-level data shows 5th graders outperforming (48.1% ELA, 52.8% math) while 4th graders lead in math (61.7%) but struggle more in ELA (30.4%).

Parents absolutely love this school — 98% report satisfaction, 99% trust teachers, and 100% trust the principal and report strong relationships. Teacher surveys tell a more complicated story: only 73% trust the principal (compared to 100% of parents), 88% rate instruction quality below the district average of 90%, and 85% feel safe (vs. 93% district-wide). Still, the school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years, and 93% of families returned surveys — an extraordinary response rate that signals deep community engagement. Chronic absenteeism at 59.4% is high, which may reflect transportation challenges, health issues, or family instability rather than school climate.

With 93% Hispanic enrollment, this is one of the least diverse schools in Manhattan — reflecting the neighborhood's demographics but offering limited exposure to varied perspectives. Twenty-four percent of students have IEPs, and 91% qualify for economic need support, making this a high-poverty school serving a working-class population. The diversity index of 19% is extremely low, though class sizes (21.9 students) match the district average.

Washington Heights is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood where families make up 85% of the population but homeownership is just 8%. The median home value of $750,201 reflects rapid gentrification, though 22% of households live in poverty. The neighborhood scores very low on safety (3.83/100) and health environment (0.38/100), with elevated crime density and asthma rates. However, it scores off the charts for transit (96.55) and family density, making it highly walkable and connected for families without cars.

Excellent transit access and walkability — families can easily reach the school via subway or walking, which helps offset the neighborhood's safety concerns.