P.S. 39 Francis J. Murphy Jr.

Math is the clear standout here — the school has climbed from 35% proficiency in 2016 to 78% in 2025, a trajectory that puts it well above the district average of 61%. ELA sits at 62.3%, marginally above the district average of 61.3%, showing steady if less dramatic growth. The grade-level breakdown reveals stronger performance in earlier grades (Grade 3 ELA at 64.3%) and exceptional Grade 5 math at 85.1%, suggesting strong foundational instruction that carries through. Overall, the school earns a 2.81 out of 4 — notably above the district average of 2.45 — indicating solid academic standing relative to peers.

The survey data paints an unusually positive picture. Teachers rate instruction quality at 100% and report feeling completely safe at 100%, with 96% collegial trust and 90% trust in leadership. Parents echo this confidence with 90% satisfaction and 92% parent-teacher trust. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years — a rare achievement that speaks to either strong behavior management or alternative approaches to conflict. However, the 70.8% chronic absenteeism rate is a significant concern, particularly among female students (75.3%) and Asian students (83.6%), suggesting that while families feel positively about the school, getting students through the door consistently remains a challenge.

The student body reflects a working-to-middle-class community: 39% white, 26% Hispanic, 25% Asian, and 8% Black, with a diversity index of 75% — fairly diverse for Staten Island. Nearly a quarter of students (23%) have IEPs, and 66.3% qualify for free lunch, indicating significant economic need. The PTA raised about $55 per student ($25,748 total) — notably below the district average of $141 per student, suggesting less fundraising capacity than some peer schools. With an average class size of 23.4 students, class sizes are in line with district averages.

The Grasmere-Arrochar-South Beach-Dongan Hills area is one of Staten Island's more stable, family-oriented neighborhoods. Median home values hover around $651,000 with a 63% homeownership rate, and only 10.2% of residents live in poverty. The neighborhood scores well on safety (71st percentile) and education orientation (74th percentile), with very strong health environment scores. Transit options are limited — the area scores just 47 on transit accessibility, reflecting Staten Island's car-dependent character. Families with children make up about 20.5% of households, and 32% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Most families drive or get dropped off; the neighborhood is residential and spread out, with limited pedestrian infrastructure typical of Staten Island