At a Glance
A high-performing zoned elementary in a quiet, family-heavy Staten Island neighborhood where test scores outpace the district by a wide margin
Families seeking a high-performing, stable elementary school in a quiet, affluent, homeowner-dominated Staten Island neighborhood — particularly those who value strong parent-school partnerships and are prepared to manage transportation since driving is necessary.
- Test scores consistently outperform the district by 15+ percentage points in both subjects
- Zero suspensions for three consecutive years — an unusually strong discipline record
- Near-universal parent and teacher trust scores (97% family-teacher trust, 92% teacher-principal trust)
- PTA fundraising nearly doubles the district average at $282 per student
- Third-grade proficiency near 90% in both ELA and math
- Chronic absenteeism at 85.1% is high — despite a 94% attendance rate, this suggests a meaningful share of students miss substantial school time
- The student body is less diverse than city averages; families seeking a highly diverse environment may want to compare options
- Limited transit access means driving is practically required for most families
- Performance drops in grades 4-5 compared to third grade — the strong early results don't fully hold through upper elementary
- IEP population at 29% is notable; parents of students with special needs should ask about specific supports
Based on 2024-2025 data
School SummaryDistrict 31
Among Staten Island elementary schools, P.S. 56 stands near the top — its 77% ELA and 76% math scores outpace most peer schools in District 31, where many schools hover in the 60s. While peer schools like P.S. 35 (99/100) and Naples Street Elementary (97/100) rate higher on state metrics, P.S. 56's combination of strong academics, exceptional family engagement, and zero-discipline record makes it a standout choice within its zone.
Test scores at P.S. 56 have climbed meaningfully over the past few years — ELA jumped from 68% in 2022 to 77% in 2025, and math surged from 66% to 76% over the same period. Both subjects now sit roughly 16 percentage points above the district average, placing this school among the higher-performing options in Staten Island. Third graders are performing at nearly 90% proficiency in both subjects, though performance tapers in grades 4-5, which is a common pattern in elementary schools.
The survey data tells a remarkable story — 95% of parents are satisfied, and trust between families and teachers (97%), families and the principal (97%), and teachers and leadership (92%) all register in the mid-to-high 90s. Teachers rate instruction quality at 93% and report feeling extremely safe (99%). There's also a perfect 100% score on 'strong relationships,' suggesting the school has cultivated genuine connections between staff and families. With zero suspensions recorded across three consecutive years, discipline appears to be handled through restorative or proactive approaches rather than exclusions.
The student body is 72% white, 15% Hispanic, 11% Asian, and 1% Black, making it less diverse than the city overall but roughly in line with much of Staten Island. The diversity index of 49% reflects a student population that is fairly homogeneous. About 29% of students have IEPs, which is notable. PTA fundraising reached $282 per student last year — nearly double the district average — indicating strong family involvement and financial support.
Arden Heights-Rossville is a stable, residential neighborhood on the South Shore of Staten Island characterized by single-family homes, a homeownership rate above 85%, and median household income over $100,000. The area scores well on safety (83rd percentile) and family stability (82nd percentile), with very low poverty. Transit access is limited — this is a car-dependent part of the city — but there are parks and the neighborhood has a reputation as quiet and family-friendly.
Families typically drive to school, as the neighborhood lacks robust transit options and walkable commercial corridors are limited.
Academic Performance
ELA Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State ELA exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Math Proficiency
Students scoring proficient or above on the NY State Math exam.
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 479 families responded (75% rate)
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database (2023-24)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School a good school?
- On Motley, P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School earns an overall quality score of 77/100 — a blend of New York State ELA and math results, attendance, and the school-climate survey. Its state test results run above the District 31 average.
- What grades does P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School serve?
- P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School serves grades Pre-K to 5.
- How do students get into P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School?
- P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School admits by zone — families living in its attendance zone are generally guaranteed a seat.
- Is P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School public, charter, or private?
- P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School is a public school in NYC Community School District 31.
- What neighborhood is P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School in?
- P.S. 56 The Louis Desario School is in Arden Heights-Rossville, Staten Island.
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