P.S. 89

P.S. 89 delivers standout academic performance with 95.8% ELA proficiency and 92.7% math proficiency — both roughly 20+ percentage points above the District 2 averages. The school scores 3.77 out of 4 overall, compared to the district average of 2.91. Test scores have been remarkably consistent over the past decade, hovering in the 80-95% range for ELA and 85-93% for math, with a notable jump in 2025 ELA scores to 95.8%. Grade-level breakdown shows particularly strong third-grade ELA (100%) and fourth-grade performance across both subjects (97.6% ELA, 95.2% math).

The school culture is exceptional by nearly every metric. Teachers report 100% safety, 100% strong relationships, and 100% collegial trust — numbers that are essentially unheard of. Parents mirror this sentiment with 97% trust in teachers and 96% trust in the principal. Instruction quality scores 90%, and the school has maintained a zero suspension rate for three consecutive years. Family survey response rate of 78% (258 responses) indicates strong parent engagement with the school community.

With 347 students across grades PK-5, P.S. 89 is a mid-sized elementary school with a class average of 25.8 students — virtually identical to the district average. The student body is predominantly White (53%), with Asian students comprising 23%, Hispanic 11%, and Multi-Racial 12%. Only 1% each are Black and Native American. The economic need index sits at just 10.6%, reflecting the neighborhood's affluence, while 14% of students have IEPs. The diversity index of 70% is solid, though the school's demographics differ notably from the surrounding neighborhood's high-achieving professional population.

The Financial District-Battery Park City is one of Manhattan's most transit-connected and family-oriented neighborhoods. With a transit score of 99 and family density score of 92, it's ideal for families without cars. The area offers waterfront parks, excellent restaurants, and is walking distance to multiple subway lines. However, the neighborhood has a notably low safety score (27) and relatively high crime density. Median home values exceed $1.27 million and only 25% of residents own homes, making it an expensive area to live. The education orientation score of 90 reflects the highly academic mindset of families here.

Families typically walk or take the subway — the neighborhood's transit score of 99 means most students arrive via short walks from nearby residential buildings or the multiple subway lines serving the area. The compact nature of the Financial District makes walking to school practical for most zoned families.