P.S. 138

State assessment data for this school is not displayed, likely due to the small number of students who take standard exams or the school's specialized student population. However, the school operates within District 5, where the average ELA proficiency is 54% and math is 51% — both hovering around the citywide mid-point. With 100% of students having IEPs, academic programming is individualized, but the lack of visible proficiency data makes it difficult to assess overall academic performance relative to district peers.

The school culture tells a compelling story. Parents feel heard and valued: 96% trust teachers and 98% trust the principal — exceptional numbers that exceed the district average. Teachers, however, report more mixed experiences. Only 75% rate instruction quality as good or very good (compared to 88% district-wide), and 77% trust the principal. This trust gap between parents and teachers is notable. Still, 87% of teachers report feeling safe at school, and the school has logged zero suspensions — a clear indicator that the approach to behavior works for this population. Family survey response rate of 22% is relatively low, though 154 families did participate.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic (61%) and Black (29%), reflecting East Harlem's demographics. With a diversity index of 56% and 91.9% economic need, this is a high-need community. Every student has an IEP — this is not a typical neighborhood school but a specialized setting. The community around the school includes many families with children (though the neighborhood median shows only 10.8% of households have children, likely reflecting older demographic data). The school serves as a critical resource for families who need specialized support.

East Harlem is a dense, transit-rich neighborhood with significant challenges. The median household income is $36,709, and 33% of residents live in poverty — well above city averages. Only 8% of residents own homes, meaning most families rent. The neighborhood scores poorly on safety (9.58 percentile) and health environment (11.49 percentile), with elevated asthma rates and air quality concerns. On the positive side, transit access is excellent (83rd percentile) and the area has strong family density (93rd percentile). Education orientation scores 72.8, indicating many families in the area prioritize schooling.

The school is located near major transit options in East Harlem, making it accessible by subway and bus. The neighborhood is highly walkable, though parents should be aware of the area's safety rankings when considering commutes, particularly for younger or more vulnerable students.