P.S. 452

P.S. 452 is a K-5 elementary school located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, serving students from 3-K through fifth grade. The school, which relocated to a modern building on West 61st Street in 2017, is known for its spacious and well-maintained facilities, including a recently renovated yard and an auditorium undergoing upgrades. Academically, P.S. 452 demonstrates strong performance, with ELA proficiency at 74% and Math proficiency at 82%, both well above citywide medians and near the 75th percentile. The school embraces a progressive, "learning by doing" pedagogy, anchoring its curriculum in science and social studies inquiry, complemented by field trips, group projects, and art-infused lessons. Enrichment offerings include studio art, music, media and library studies, and a partnership with the National Dance Institute. Social-emotional learning is integrated through Yale's RULER program. Parent sentiment is largely positive, with many families describing a warm, welcoming, and diverse community, supported by an active and well-funded PTA. While some parents praise the dedication of teachers, there have been occasional concerns about inconsistent teaching quality and administrative responsiveness to bullying. The school also offers Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes in every grade, ensuring comprehensive support for students with Individualized Education Plans.