P.S. 452

P.S. 452 delivers strong academic results compared to its district — ELA proficiency at 73.7% and math at 81.5% put this school well above the District 3 averages of 59% and 54% respectively. The overall score of 3.1 out of 4 also exceeds the district average of 2.3. However, the historical trend shows some volatility: scores peaked in 2017 (84.7% ELA) before a COVID-era dip to 69.8% in 2022, and have since recovered to 73.7%. Math has rebounded particularly strongly, reaching 81.5% in 2025, the highest level in recent years. Grade-level breakdowns show consistent performance across grades 3-5, with math slightly stronger in fifth grade (83.3%).

The survey data paints a picture of a school where families feel heard and students feel safe, but where attendance is a real concern. Parent satisfaction sits at an exceptional 96%, with trust in teachers and the principal both above 95%. Teachers report near-universal safety (98%), and strong relationships between adults and students are rated at 100%. That said, teacher-principal trust (77%) is notably lower than parent trust, and teacher instruction quality (81%) trails the district average of 87%. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years, which is a positive discipline trend. But the chronic absenteeism rate of 71.6% is strikingly high — nearly three-quarters of students are considered chronically absent, with rates even higher among white (84.9%) and Asian (77.2%) students.

The student body reflects the neighborhood's demographic makeup: 46% white, 19% Hispanic, 17% Asian, and 13% Black, with a diversity index of 78%. With 368 students and an average class size of 23.1 (matching the district average), this is a mid-sized elementary school. The economic need index of 30.6% is notably lower than many Manhattan schools, reflecting the neighborhood's affluence. PTA fundraising of $270,879 ($736 per student) exceeds the district average of $627, indicating strong family financial involvement.

The Upper West Side is one of Manhattan's most family-oriented neighborhoods, with an education orientation score of 96.17 and a family density score of 99.62 — nearly off the charts. Median household income is $162,360 with a high homeownership rate of 37.4% and 83% of residents holding a BA+ degree. However, safety scores are low (22.99 percentile), and environmental health indicators show elevated rates of childhood asthma and lead exposure risk. The neighborhood offers excellent transit access (96.93) and is rich in parks and cultural resources.

Highly walkable and accessible by subway — families in the zoned area typically walk or take public transit