The Peck Slip School

ELA proficiency at 66.7% and math at 60.8% place this school below the district averages of 73.2% and 72.5% respectively — notable given that the surrounding neighborhood has a median household income of $192,000 and an 83% college-educated population. Test scores peaked in 2019 (80.6% ELA, 74.1% math) and have fluctuated since, with a sharper decline in 2025. Third-grade scores (53.1% ELA, 49% math) are particularly concerning, suggesting early intervention needs. The school scores 2.55/4 overall compared to the district average of 2.91.

This is where the school distinguishes itself. Parent satisfaction sits at 91%, parent-principal trust at 99%, and teacher-principal trust at an extraordinary 100%. Teachers report 98% safety and 97% collegial trust. The school has maintained zero suspensions for three consecutive years. However, chronic absenteeism at 65.1% significantly exceeds typical benchmarks, with particularly high rates among White (85.7%) and Multiracial (88.9%) students — patterns that may reflect the socioeconomic realities of a high-income neighborhood where families have resources to keep children home, rather than disengagement.

With 374 students in grades PK-5, the school reflects its affluent neighborhood: 46% White, 16% Hispanic, 16% Asian, 9% Black, and 13% Multi-Racial, yielding a diversity index of 79%. Only 17.8% of students have economic need — well below typical Manhattan averages. The student body is notably less diverse than the district overall, with a higher White population than many Manhattan schools, which aligns with the neighborhood's demographics (24.9% homeownership, $1.27M median home value).

Financial District-Battery Park City is a waterfront neighborhood with near-perfect transit (99.23 score), strong family orientation (91.95 family density), and easy access to parks and the esplanade. The area is affluent, educated (82.7% BA+), and low-poverty (6.1%), though only 13.9% of households have children — explaining the zoned school's smaller enrollment. The safety score (27.2) is low, likely reflecting the commercial nature of the area with high foot traffic, but the neighborhood is family-friendly with playgrounds and schools anchoring the community.

Excellent walkability and transit access make this a highly accessible neighborhood for families. Many students walk or take public transit; the area's connectivity supports families without cars.