P.S. 196

Test scores at P.S. 196 have trended upward over the long term — ELA climbed from 16.6% in 2016 to 33.4% in 2025, and math improved from 19.6% to 30.5% — but the path hasn't been smooth. There was a notable dip in ELA in 2024 followed by a rebound, and math jumped unexpectedly that same year before settling. Currently, both subjects sit roughly 10 percentage points below the District 12 averages (44.6% ELA, 43.3% math). Grade 5 performs strongest (41.4% ELA), while Grade 4 lags (29.1% ELA). The overall quality score of 1.28 out of 4 reflects this below-average position compared to district peers.

The climate data tells a layered story. On the positive side, teachers report high instruction quality (92% — above the district average), families feel strong relationships (93%), and parent-teacher trust is solid at 90%. Safety, as reported by teachers, is on par with the district (84%). The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years, a rare achievement. However, teacher-principal trust is notably low at 63%, and chronic absenteeism is a serious concern at 66.3% — far above what most schools see. Parent satisfaction (83%) also trails the district average (91.8%). The low family survey response rate (28%) makes it hard to fully gauge parent sentiment.

P.S. 196's student body is 79% Hispanic and 14% Black, with very small Asian (3%) and Native American (3%) populations — reflecting the demographics of the surrounding Soundview-Bruckner neighborhood. Nearly one in five students (19%) has an Individualized Education Program, indicating significant special education presence. The economic need index of 92.3% is extremely high, meaning almost all families face financial hardship. PTA fundraising is minimal at $13 per student (versus $53 district average), suggesting limited extra resources from parent fundraising.

This school sits in a high-poverty, family-dense neighborhood in the Bronx with a median household income of just $41,359 and a 31.6% poverty rate. Education attainment is low (only 15.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree), and homeownership is rare at 13.4%. The area scores poorly on safety (15th percentile) and education orientation (28th percentile), though it ranks high on family density (71st percentile) and stability (83rd percentile). There are environmental health concerns: elevated lead rates (15.2%) and high asthma-related emergency visits (75.5 per 1,000). Transit access is moderate (49th percentile).

Families likely walk or take short bus rides — the neighborhood is densely populated with limited parking, and many students live within a few blocks. However, the low safety score and traffic collisions suggest crossing streets warrants caution.