At a Glance
A high-performing zoned elementary where strong academics meet an exceptionally engaged parent community in a transit-rich Manhattan neighborhood
Families seeking a zoned school with strong academics, exceptional parent-teacher relationships, and a safe, low-discipline environment in a transit-connected Manhattan neighborhood — particularly those who value high parent involvement and don't mind a less demographically diverse student body.
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — exceptionally rare in NYC public schools
- 100% teacher-reported safety score
- Parent-principal trust at 97% — among the highest in Manhattan
- PTA fundraising of $1,879 per student (nearly 4x district average)
- Consistent above-average test scores in both ELA and math
- Zoned school in a transit-rich, walkable Manhattan neighborhood
- Test scores have fluctuated significantly — the 2024 dip (ELA 67.2%) shows vulnerability
- Student body is 88% Asian — less demographic diversity than some neighboring schools
- The neighborhood has lower safety scores and some environmental health concerns (air quality, lead)
- Very high Asian enrollment may not reflect all families' preferences for diverse classrooms
- Chronic absenteeism data appears inconsistent with attendance rates — worth clarifying with the school
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 2
P.S. 130 ranks among stronger performers in District 2, which already contains some of the city's most competitive elementary schools. While peer schools like P.S. 77 Lower Lab (99/100) and Success Academy charters score higher on quality metrics, P.S. 130's zoned admissions and consistent above-average performance make it a solid choice within a high-performing district.
P.S. 130 delivers strong academic results that place it above the District 2 average (ELA 76.6% vs. 73.2% district; Math 78.6% vs. 72.5% district). The school's test scores show a pattern of fluctuation—peaking in 2018 before dipping during the pandemic recovery, then rebuilding to current levels. Grade 5 students particularly excel in ELA (80.2%), while Grade 4 shows strength in math (84.6%). The overall 3.1/4 score reflects consistent above-average performance, though parents should note the recent 2024 dip (ELA 67.2%, Math 77.2%) before the 2025 rebound.
The school culture is defined by extraordinarily high trust across all stakeholder groups: 97% teacher-principal trust, 97% teacher collegial trust, and 94% parent satisfaction. Teachers rate instruction quality at 92% and report 100% safety — the highest possible score. With zero suspensions across three consecutive years and a 95.7% attendance rate, the school maintains a supportive, low-conflict environment. The high family survey response rate (334 responses, 64% rate) suggests strong parent engagement rather than apathy.
The student body is predominantly Asian (88%), with small percentages of multiracial (5%), Hispanic (4%), and white (2%) students. This is notably different from the broader neighborhood demographics (which skew highly educated and affluent), reflecting the school's zoned enrollment area. With an economic need index of 51.2% and 16% IEP students, the school serves a economically diverse population despite the neighborhood's high median income. PTA fundraising of nearly $1.2 million ($1,879 per student) indicates robust parent resources.
The SoHo-Little Italy-Hudson Square area offers families excellent transit access (91.57 percentile), with multiple subway lines serving the neighborhood. The area has strong education orientation (80.84 percentile) and family stability (78.93 percentile), though safety scores are moderate (8.81/100) and the health environment scores low (2.3/100) due to air quality and lead concerns common in older Manhattan buildings. Families with children are relatively rare (12.4% of households), but the neighborhood's walkability and cultural resources appeal to those who stay.
Highly walkable neighborhood with excellent subway access — families typically walk or take transit; few drive
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 334 families responded (64% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto earns an overall quality score of 78/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run in line with the District 2 average.
- What grades does P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto serve?
- P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto?
- P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto is a public school in NYC Community School District 2.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto in?
- P.S. 130 Hernando De Soto is in SoHo-Little Italy-Hudson Square, Manhattan.
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