P.S. 008 Isaac Varian

P.S. 008 Isaac Varian is an elementary school in the Bronx serving students from 3-K through 5th grade. The school fosters strong family engagement, with parent surveys indicating overwhelmingly positive satisfaction with their children's education and relationships within the school community. Parents frequently commend the principal and staff for their supportive approach and clear communication. The school maintains an exceptionally low suspension rate, contributing to a generally positive and safe environment. Academically, students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and Math that is below the citywide median, though above the 25th percentile. The school serves a high proportion of students in poverty and a significant English Language Learner population, offering transitional bilingual education in Spanish. P.S. 008 provides a range of enrichment programs, including visual arts, music, dance, coding, and cooking lessons, and participates in citywide initiatives like Computer Science for All. A notable feature is the on-site full-time health clinic, offering comprehensive medical and counseling services. While many families report a nurturing atmosphere, some concerns have been raised regarding overcrowding and occasional issues with student monitoring and bullying.