P.S. 161 Pedro Albizu Campos

Test scores here have climbed steadily for nearly a decade. ELA proficiency has more than doubled from 19.8% in 2016 to 43.4% in 2025, and math has risen from 22.6% to 39.7% over the same span — a genuinely impressive trajectory. That said, both subjects still sit meaningfully below the District 5 averages of 53.9% ELA and 50.7% math. The strongest grade-level performance is Grade 4 ELA at 58.3% (above district), while Grade 8 math at 23.3% and Grade 5 science proficiency at 29.7% are clear weak spots worth watching. Overall score of 1.66/4 trails the district average of 2.09/4, but the trend line is the more important story here — this school is catching up, not falling behind.

The day-to-day feel at P.S. 161 is notably warmer than the numbers might suggest. Parent satisfaction at 98% is well above the district average of 91%, and parent trust in both teachers (97%) and the principal (98%) is exceptional. Teachers also report feeling safe at 96% (vs 88.85% district) and rate their principal's leadership at 92%. Discipline is light — just 4 suspensions in 2023-24, down from 8 the prior year, and a 1% rate that beats the district. The one major flag is attendance: a chronic absenteeism rate of 48.8% means nearly half of students miss enough school to be considered chronically absent, well above district norms, and overall attendance of 87.4% trails the district average of 88.6%. That's a real problem worth taking seriously, even as the culture side looks strong.

The student body mirrors its West Harlem surroundings. About 76% of students are Hispanic and 19% are Black, with small Asian, White, and multiracial populations. The economic need index of 94.8% tells you most students come from low-income households — the neighborhood's median income is $44,556 and 26.5% of residents live in poverty. ELL support is offered, which matters in a neighborhood where Spanish is widely spoken at home. Diversity index of 41% reflects the mix of Black and Hispanic families. About 29% of students have IEPs, higher than typical, suggesting strong special education services are part of the school's identity.

P.S. 161 sits in Manhattanville-West Harlem, a neighborhood where most households rent (only 5% own their homes), median income hovers around $44,556, and about a quarter of residents live below the poverty line. Just 8.6% of neighborhood households include children — lower than many parts of the city — but those families tend to be tight-knit and engaged with the local schools. About 31.9% of adults here hold a bachelor's degree. The block feels working-class and family-oriented, with a strong Latino cultural presence.

Families can reach the school via the 1 train at 137 St-City College (about a 7-minute walk), the C and B trains at 135 St (about 6 minutes), or the 1 train at 125 St (about 7 minutes) — solid subway coverage for getting here from anywhere in upper Manhattan.