P.S. 163 Alfred E. Smith

Test scores at P.S. 163 have followed a volatile path: climbing steadily from 2016 to a high point in 2022-2023 (ELA at 67%, Math at 70%), then dropping sharply to current levels of 54.4% ELA and 53.3% Math. Both subjects now fall below the District 3 averages of 59.3% and 54% respectively. The overall score of 2.15/4 also trails the district average of 2.27. One encouraging pattern: scores improve notably as students advance through grades, with 5th graders reaching 63.9% ELA proficiency compared to 36.4% for 3rd graders — suggesting strong upper-grade instruction or screened retention.

The survey data tells a story of strong family relationships but some teacher concerns. Parents report exceptionally high trust in teachers (95%) and the principal (93%), with 100% reporting 'strong relationships' at the school. Teacher-reported safety is nearly universal at 99%. However, teacher instruction quality scores (78%) and teacher-principal trust (78%) fall below district averages, and only 41 teachers responded to the survey — a small sample. The attendance picture is concerning: an 86.9% attendance rate and a 56% chronic absenteeism rate (significantly above typical benchmarks), with male students and Black students missing more school than their peers.

With 412 students across grades PK-5, P.S. 163 is a mid-sized elementary. The student body is majority Hispanic (51%), with 23% White, 15% Black, 6% Multiracial, and 5% Asian — notably diverse with a diversity index of 72%. About 19% of students have IEPs. PTA fundraising totals $48,214 ($117 per student), which is far below the district average of $627 per student — suggesting less discretionary funding for enrichment programs compared to wealthier peers.

The Upper West Side-Manhattan Valley neighborhood offers excellent transit access (94th percentile) and is very family-dense (89th percentile), but scores poorly on safety (16th percentile) and health environment (13th percentile). Median home values exceed $1 million, yet the poverty rate sits at 17% — reflecting the area's economic diversity. Families here benefit from strong education orientation (63rd percentile) but lower stability (38th percentile).

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent public transit options, making it accessible for families without cars