P.S. 155 William Paca

Test scores at P.S. 155 remain well below District 4 averages — 28.6% ELA versus 49.8% district-wide, and 15.9% math versus 45.2%. But the long trend tells a clearer story: ELA has climbed from 15% in 2016 to 28.6% in 2025, and math more than doubled from 10% to a peak of 21% in 2022. Fourth graders outperform their peers, hitting 35% ELA and 24% math, while fifth grade lags. The overall quality score of 0.89/4 sits roughly half the district average of 1.9, placing this school firmly in the lower tier of District 4 performers.

The climate data reveals a school with strong bonds but stressed infrastructure. Every single parent surveyed reported strong relationships — a remarkable 100% — and 89% trust their children's teachers. Principal trust matches at 86%. However, teachers show weaker trust in leadership: 71% for the principal and only 53% for collegial trust among staff. Teacher-reported safety is 84%, slightly below the district average. Attendance is a concern — the 87.2% rate barely meets the district average, and chronic absenteeism hits a steep 48.3%, with Hispanic students missing at 50%. On the positive side, suspension rates are effectively zero, and only one suspension occurred last year.

This is a small school of 210 students, heavily Hispanic (75%) with 17% Black enrollment and a small Asian population (3%). The diversity index sits at 47%, reflecting a relatively homogeneous student body typical of East Harlem. A quarter of students have IEPs, indicating robust special education services. PTA fundraising is minimal at $7 per student — far below the $103 district average — suggesting limited discretionary resources for enrichment programs.

East Harlem (North) is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood with a family density score of 93.5 — one of the highest in the city. The area scores poorly on safety (9.6/100) and has elevated environmental health concerns including air quality issues and high asthma rates. However, it scores strongly on education orientation (72.8) and has excellent subway access (82.8). With a median household income of $36,709 and only 8% homeownership, most families rent. Median home values have climbed to $675,756, reflecting broader Manhattan pressures.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with strong transit options — families can easily reach the school on foot or via subway from anywhere in East Harlem or adjacent neighborhoods