P.S. 290 Manhattan New School

P.S. 290's 2025 scores are extraordinary: 94% ELA and 96% math proficiency, compared to district averages of 73% and 73% respectively. This puts the school among the highest-performing in Manhattan. The historical trend shows steady improvement with an expected COVID dip in 2022 (78% ELA) followed by strong recovery — 2025 marks the school's highest scores ever. Grade-level breakdown shows Grade 4 hitting 100% ELA proficiency, and all three tested grades exceeding 95% math. The overall quality rating of 3.8/4 significantly outpaces the district average of 2.9.

The survey data tells a compelling story of trust: 95% of parents are satisfied, 96% trust teachers, and 93% trust the principal. Teachers show equally strong collegial trust (95%) and trust in leadership (96%). Every single teacher reported feeling safe at school — a 100% score that's rare. Discipline is nearly non-existent with just 1 suspension in 2023-24 and zero the two years prior. However, chronic absenteeism at 89.6% is a significant concern that contradicts the strong attendance rate of 94.6% — families should investigate what's driving so many students to miss substantial school days despite overall positive climate.

With 415 students across grades PK-5, P.S. 290 reflects its Upper East Side neighborhood: 65% white, 12% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 8% multiracial, and 3% Black. The diversity index of 63% is moderate. Only 11.6% of students qualify for free lunch, reflecting the neighborhood's affluence (median household income $136,925). Eight percent of students are multiracial, and 16% have IEPs. The PTA raised nearly $412,000 ($992 per student) — well above the district average — indicating active, resourced families.

The Upper East Side-Yorkville is a quintessential family Manhattan neighborhood: highly educated (77% BA+), expensive (median home value $1.19M), and extremely family-dense (100th percentile). Transit access is excellent (89/100), though safety scores are lower (27/100) — reflecting urban density concerns rather than school-specific issues. Education orientation is extremely high (91/100), with parks and family resources throughout. This is a walking neighborhood where strollers and school-age kids are everywhere.

Highly walkable neighborhood with excellent subway access — most families arrive on foot or by subway, consistent with the area's car-free lifestyle