P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor

P.S. 158 delivers academic results that put it in the top tier of District 2 — ELA proficiency at 89.6% and math at 87.3% beat the district averages by roughly 15 percentage points. The school also shows real resilience: after a COVID-era dip to 78% ELA in 2022, scores have climbed steadily each year to reach their highest point on record. Grade-level data shows consistency across third, fourth, and fifth grade, with third-grade ELA hitting 91.6%. This isn't a school that rides on one strong cohort — it's systematically strong.

The survey data is almost universally glowing: 100% of teachers report feeling safe, 98% rate instruction quality highly, and 97% of parents trust teachers. The relationships metric — 100% — stands out as exceptional. There's a notable gap worth noting: while parent satisfaction matches the district average at 92%, this school scores noticeably higher on trust and relationship measures than pure satisfaction alone would suggest. Discipline is essentially nonexistent — zero suspensions for three consecutive years. The attendance rate of 93.8% runs slightly above the district average, though chronic absenteeism data shows some variation by subgroup.

This is a predominantly white school in a predominantly white, highly affluent neighborhood — 68% of students are white, compared to 13% Asian, 9% Hispanic, and 2% Black. The diversity index of 58% reflects the neighborhood's demographic reality, which skews older, wealthier, and more college-educated than almost anywhere else in the city. With an economic need index of just 11 (out of 100), this is a school serving families with substantial resources. The 14% IEP population is a healthy, typical proportion, and the class size of 25.8 matches the district average exactly.

The Upper East Side is one of New York City's most family-dense neighborhoods, ranking 99th percentile for families with children. It offers excellent transit options (85th percentile), numerous parks and playgrounds along Fifth Avenue and East River greenways, and a concentration of pediatric healthcare options. The median home value of $1.2 million and homeownership rate of just 28% tell the story of a neighborhood of affluent renters and owners alike. Education orientation scores in the 90th percentile — this is a place where parents talk about gifted programs at playground meetups.

The school is highly walkable from most of its zoned catchment. Families from the surrounding blocks arrive on foot, and the area's pedestrian infrastructure is strong. For those coming from farther east or south, the 4/5/6 subway lines along Lexington Avenue are a short walk away.