P.S. 195 Manhattan Beach

Test scores at P.S. 195 are Consistently strong — 83.6% ELA and 86.2% math proficiency place this school far above District 22's averages of 61% and 60% respectively. The school saw a significant dip during the pandemic (ELA dropped to 66.7% in 2022), but has since rebounded strongly, now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Grade 5 leads in ELA (87.5%) while Grade 4 leads in math (88.5%), suggesting strong instruction across the upper elementary years. The 3.4 overall score reflects consistent performance rather than standout excellence in any single area.

The survey data here is remarkable. Teachers rate instruction quality at 100%, and both parents and teachers report extremely high trust in leadership (95% parent-teacher trust, 94% parent-principal trust, 91% teacher-principal trust). Safety is rated 100% by teachers. The school has maintained a zero suspension rate for three consecutive years — a rarity. However, there's a tension: while the raw attendance rate of 92.7% is slightly above district average, chronic absenteeism sits at a striking 75.7%, meaning three-quarters of students missed significant school time. This disconnect suggests many families are keeping kids home for extended periods despite overall positive sentiment.

With 96% white students and a diversity index of just 13%, P.S. 195 is among the least diverse schools in District 22. The economic need index of 29.7% is notably below the district average, reflecting the neighborhood's relative affluence (median household income of $79,582). The PTA raised $78,000 this year — about $241 per student, well above the district average — indicating active, resourced family involvement. At 324 students across grades PK-5, the school is small enough for a tight-knit feel but large enough for typical elementary programming.

Sheepshead Bay-Manhattan Beach-Gerritsen Beach is a stable, family-heavy Brooklyn neighborhood known for its modest waterfront, affordable (by NYC standards) single-family housing, and relative quiet. The education orientation score of 72.41 reflects a community that prioritizes schools. Safety scores are moderate (59), and the area has a high homeownership rate (52.8%) suggesting long-term resident families. Transit options are decent (56.7) but this is very much a car-oriented, neighborhood-driving area.

Manhattan Beach is a residential peninsula — families typically walk or bike for short trips, but most commute by car. The school draws from a defined zone, so walking is common for those lucky enough to live within it.