P.S. 142 Amalia Castro

The school's 2025 proficiency rates (ELA 47.8%, Math 46.2%) sit just below District 1 averages (ELA 51.7%, Math 47.4%), representing a meaningful rebound from pandemic-era lows when ELA dipped to 16.9% in 2022. Math has shown particularly strong recovery, jumping from 20.8% in 2022 to 46.2% now. However, there's a notable performance gap by grade level — 3rd graders are performing at 66.7% ELA and 73.3% math, while 5th graders lag at 34.4% ELA and just 13.8% math, suggesting that older students may have been more affected by instructional disruptions.

This is where P.S. 142 truly shines. Parent satisfaction hits an exceptional 99% (versus 88% district average), and every single surveyed parent reports trust in teachers and the principal. Teachers give similarly high marks — 90% report instruction quality meets standards, and 89% trust leadership. The school has maintained a 0% suspension rate for three consecutive years, indicating a restorative approach to discipline. However, teacher-reported safety (82%) falls slightly below the district average (91%), which is worth noting for families prioritizing perceived safety.

P.S. 142 serves a predominantly Hispanic student body (76%), reflecting the surrounding Lower East Side neighborhood's demographics. With 89.7% economic need index and 25% of students having IEPs, this is a high-need population. The community is relatively homogeneous in terms of the school's demographics (diversity index 42%), though the neighborhood itself is diverse. Family engagement is exceptionally high — 354 families completed the survey (96% response rate), suggesting strong home-school connections.

The Lower East Side offers a mixed picture for families. It scores very high on education orientation (89th percentile) and transit access (89th percentile) but ranks low on safety (16th percentile) and has environmental health concerns (asthma rates in the 75th percentile). The neighborhood is dense, urban, and historically immigrant-heavy, with strong community networks but visible poverty. Families benefit from excellent subway access and neighborhood institutions, though they navigate everyday urban challenges.

The Lower East Side is highly walkable with good subway access, though families should expect typical urban commutes and street-level urban density