P.S. 180 Hugo Newman

Test scores remain below the District 3 average — 45.5% ELA versus 59% districtwide, and 31.2% Math versus 54% — placing this school in the lower tier academically. However, the trajectory tells a recovery story: math climbed from 16.5% in 2022 to 34.2% in 2024 before dipping slightly, while ELA steadily improved each year. Grade-level data shows older students performing stronger (Grade 5 at 57.6% ELA) than third graders (38.1%), suggesting the school may be rebuilding from the bottom up. The overall quality score of 1.53 out of 4 reflects these struggles relative to peer schools.

This is where P.S. 180 shines. Parent satisfaction hits 95%, and trust metrics are nearly universal: 98% of parents trust teachers and the principal, 96% of teachers trust the principal, and 100% of teachers report feeling safe at school. These numbers arewell above district averages and suggest a genuinely warm, connected school culture. Discipline is minimal — just one suspension last year, down from five the prior year. The challenge is attendance: 47.6% chronic absenteeism is alarmingly high, with particularly severe rates among white students (70.8%) and female students (51.7%). The school is outperforming academically while struggling to get kids in seats consistently.

With 397 students, P.S. 180 is a small-to-medium zoned school reflecting its neighborhood's demographics: 49% Black, 31% Hispanic, 14% white, and 3% Asian. The economic need index of 74.3% indicates high poverty, and 22% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 66% is moderate. Parent fundraising is modest at $42 per student versus a district average of $627, suggesting fewer resources for enrichment beyond what the school provides directly.

Harlem is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood with an education orientation score of 76.25 and family density in the 95th percentile — meaning many families with children. The area has excellent subway access (98.85 transit score) but scores poorly on safety indicators (1.15). Median home values are over $1.3 million though homeownership is low at 18.2%, indicating a predominantly renter population. The neighborhood offers cultural resources and community institutions, though parents should be aware of the safety context.

The school is highly accessible by subway given the 98.85 transit score, though families walking should be mindful of neighborhood safety conditions. Many students arrive from the surrounding blocks in this densely populated area.