The Neighborhood School (PS 363) in Manhattan is a small, diverse elementary school serving Pre-K through 5th grade, known for its progressive, project-based learning approach. With an enrollment of 197 students, well below the citywide median, it offers a close-knit community environment. The student body is notably diverse, with a significant percentage of Hispanic and White students, and a lower-than-median percentage of English Language Learners. Parents consistently praise the school, with survey results showing overwhelmingly positive feedback on school climate and family relationships, with 96-100% positive responses across key questions, which is well above the citywide median. The school fosters a strong sense of community and a nurturing environment, where dedicated teachers are noted for their caring approach and commitment to hands-on activities. Its small size contributes to a personalized atmosphere, and the school is recognized for strong parent involvement. The school maintains an excellent suspension rate of 0%, well below the citywide median, indicating a positive and safe school climate.
What this school has to spend, and what it spends it on. Spending is not a measure of quality. Schools serving more students with higher needs receive more money.
My students are safe…outside around this school.94%
My students are safe…traveling between home and this school.100%
My students are safe…in the hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms, and cafeteria of this school.100%
My students are safe…in my class(es).100%
Conflicts are resolved fairly in my school.82%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.
Bullying prevention17%city 42%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.17%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (17%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.
Emotional support90%city 84%
How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.94%
How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.88%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.94%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Academic expectations86%city 87%
In this school, the staff believes that all students can learn, including English language learners (ELLs), Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs), and students with disabilities.100%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.71%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (86%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Family outreach92%city 94%
At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.89%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.89%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.89%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.89%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.93%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.90%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.99%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.98%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.
Parent–teacher trust94%city 95%
I feel respected by my child's teachers.95%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.91%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.96%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Show all survey topicsShow fewer
Rigorous Instruction
Strong Core Instruction84%city 92%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [Social Studies].86%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [Social Studies].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Social Studies].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Social Studies].100%
Overall positive % is averaged across every Pos/Neg survey question per respondent group (school year 2023-2024). Survey topics are the DOE’s framework measures (each the average favorable response across its questions; expand a topic to see them and the citywide average); the dimension scores themselves are no longer in the public data file.[3]
Teacher experience and certification from the NYSED School Report Card (2024–25); students per teacher = enrollment ÷ reported teachers. Fewer than 4 years counts as inexperienced.
↳ Students who live in the district and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Students who live outside the district and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Other students who live in the district.
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↳ All other applicants.
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Last year’s published figures. Schools make more offers than seats because not everyone enrolls, so offers can exceed seats. Counts under 10 are suppressed (shown as “<10”).
How to read Applications / seat and where the outlook buckets come from is explained in our methodology.
12th percentile citywide
School-managed budget
$4.3MPositions: 39
11th percentile citywide
Total spend per student
$36,701
65th percentile citywide · city median $33,606
Staffing costs
Principal’s salary
$195K
28th percentile citywide
Principal and assistant principals
$340KPositions: 2
14th percentile citywide
Teaching staff
$2.1MPositions: 20
11th percentile citywide
Where the school-managed budget goes
These five categories add up to the school-managed budget. They do not include the centrally-paid costs in total spend.
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [Social Studies].
88%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…reading and writing experiences grounded in evidence from text, both literary and informational. [ELA].78%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [ELA].78%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [ELA].78%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [ELA].78%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [ELA].78%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to interact with complex grade-level text and tasks. [Math].89%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage with texts and tasks reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Math].56%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…students to engage in meaningful discussion that critically examines topics that connect to the daily lives of students. [Math].67%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…focusing deeply on the concepts emphasized in the standards to help students build strong foundations for learning. [Math].100%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Quality of Student Discussion77%city 67%
How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.83%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.50%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.89%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.72%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (77%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Collaborative Teachers
Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction94%city 92%
I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.83%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.95%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.100%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.95%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.100%
I am able to...design appropriate instruction that is matched to students' need (e.g. English language learners (ELLs) or Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLLs) proficiency and students with disabilities).81%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.94%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.100%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.100%
I am able to...distinguish linguistic/cultural differences from learning difficulties.94%
I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
School Commitment91%city 83%
I usually look forward to each working day at this school.95%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.89%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Quality of Professional Development78%city 82%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.83%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...Included opportunities to engage in inquiry-based, professional collaboration with peers and/or mentors from other schools.67%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
Peer Collaboration76%city 87%
At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.83%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.83%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.61%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Innovation and Collective Responsibility75%city 79%
How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.68%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.84%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.74%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.53%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.95%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.
Supportive Environment
Classroom Behavior92%city 66%
How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.89%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.100%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.83%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Effective School Leadership
Inclusive Leadership89%city 95%
The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.88%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.92%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.87%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Teacher Influence84%city 66%
At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.89%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.83%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.67%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.89%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Instructional Leadership78%city 86%
The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.78%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.89%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.83%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.67%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.83%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.89%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.67%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.
Program Coherence63%city 83%
At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.67%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.72%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.50%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (63%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Strong Family-Community Ties
Building Families' Capacity as their Child's Primary Teacher100%city 96%
My child’s teachers give me helpful ideas about how I can support my child’s learning and development. [Birth-5].100%
My child’s teachers let me know that I can make a difference in my child’s learning. [Birth-5].100%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (100%) is their average, vs 96% citywide.
Strong Relationships94%city 90%
At this school, my child receives what they need to achieve their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal(s). [Families of students with IEPs].94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Parent Involvement in School72%city 71%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.92%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.94%
My child’s teachers let me know that I can make a difference in my child’s learning. [Birth-5].100%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.1%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (72%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.
Trust
Parent-Principal Trust87%city 94%
I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.91%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).86%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.85%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (87%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Teacher-Principal Trust81%city 84%
I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.89%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.68%
The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.89%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).78%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.84%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.89%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.72%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Teacher-Teacher Trust78%city 86%
Teachers in this school trust each other.61%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.84%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.89%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Enrollment
197
Economic Need Index
51%
Free / reduced lunch
44%
English learners
4%
Students with IEPs
32%
2
$101K
$202K
3-K / WHOLE CLASS1$147K$147K
Pre K / WHOLE CLASS1$147K$147K
SCIENCE - GENERAL SCIENCE / WHOLE CLASS1$104K$104K
2, 3 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$101K$101K
4, 5 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$101K$101K
K,1 / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$101K$101K
LIBRARY / WHOLE CLASS1$101K$101K
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / WHOLE CLASS1$101K$101K
K,1 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$3,004$3,004
1
$91K
$91K
CLASSROOM - General Ed1$78K$78K
PRE-K1$78K$78K
School Aides and Other Support Staff0—$61K
PARENT COORDINATOR1$51K$51K
IEP-CRISIS MANAGEMENT(CIT)2$23K$46K
5041$45K$45K
Sub Assigned - School Secretary1$33K$33K
$48K
IEP-HEALTH$46K
504$45K
$13K
Equipment - General$10K
School Funded Copier$6,228
Data Processing Repair - Contractual$3,508
Educational Software$1,846
Library Books$1,225
72%
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.76%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.