At a Glance
A small zoned school with sky-high family satisfaction but academic performance that trails district peers
Families who prioritize a warm, trusting school community with involved parents and strong teacher relationships over raw academic metrics. Parents willing to supplement learning at home or seek tutoring may thrive here, given the school's supportive culture but below-average test performance. Families who value the neighborhood's transit access and family density will find the location convenient.
- Exceptional family satisfaction (97%) exceeding district average by 9 percentage points
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — discipline is handled through other means
- 100% of families report strong relationships with the school community
- Teacher-reported safety at 99% — among the highest in the district
- Strong teacher-principal trust (93%) and teacher collegial trust (97%)
- Academic performance trails District 3 averages — students may need additional support to catch up
- Chronic absenteeism is high at 58%, which likely impacts learning outcomes
- Math scores (46%) lag particularly behind — 5th graders especially struggle at 39%
- PTA fundraising is low at $186/student vs. $627 district average — fewer supplemental programs may be available
- The school rates 2.01/4 overall, placing it below the district average of 2.27
Based on 2024-25 data
School SummaryDistrict 3
Among District 3 peers, P.S. 165 does not rank highly. The district includes top performers like Special Music School (100/100) and The Anderson School (98/100), as well as several Success Academy charters scoring in the 90s. P.S. 165 falls below these peers significantly in academic quality. However, the school's cultural climate metrics rival or exceed those top-performing schools — the gap is purely academic.
Test scores at P.S. 165 have come a long way since 2016, when only 30% of students were proficient in ELA and 27% in math. By 2023, ELA peaked at 57%, and current scores show 54% ELA and 46% math. However, the school now trails the District 3 averages (59% ELA, 54% math) — meaning students are catching up but not keeping pace with their peers across the district. Grade-level data shows 5th graders leading in ELA (59%) but lagging in math (39%), while 4th graders perform strongest in math (53%). The overall quality rating of 2.01 out of 4 places it below the district average of 2.27.
This is where P.S. 165 genuinely shines. Parents report 97% satisfaction — well above the district average of 88% — and trust metrics are exceptional: 97% parent-teacher trust, 98% parent-principal trust, and 100% report strong relationships. Teachers are equally positive: 93% trust the principal, 97% trust colleagues, and 99% report feeling safe. Instruction quality scores 93%, topping the district average of 87%. Discipline is exemplary: zero suspensions for three consecutive years. However, chronic absenteeism is a concern at 58%, with particularly high rates among multiracial students (82%) and white students (80%), suggesting some families may be opting out of regular attendance despite high satisfaction surveys.
P.S. 165 reflects the neighborhood's diversity: 51% Hispanic, 22% white, 17% Black, and 8% Asian, with a diversity index of 70%. Nearly 61% of students have economic need, and 19% have IEPs — slightly elevated compared to some District 3 peers. PTA fundraising totals $186 per student, well below the district average of $627, indicating less discretionary parent resources flowing to the school compared to neighbors.
The Upper West Side-Manhattan Valley area offers excellent transit (94th percentile) and is very family-dense (89th percentile), with parks and Riverside Park nearby. However, safety scores are low (16th percentile), and environmental health indicators show concerns: elevated lead rates (6.6%) and asthma emergency department visits (155 per 10,000). The neighborhood is predominantly rental (72% renters) with a median household income of $100,363 and high education levels (61% BA+).
The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent subway access, making it practical for families without cars.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 347 families responded (81% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon earns an overall quality score of 50/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run below the District 3 average.
- What grades does P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon serve?
- P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon?
- P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon is a public school in NYC Community School District 3.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon in?
- P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon is in Upper West Side-Manhattan Valley, Manhattan.
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