P.S. 199 Jessie Isador Straus is a highly-regarded K-5 elementary school in Manhattan, known for its exceptional academic performance. Both English Language Arts and Math proficiency rates are well above the citywide 75th percentile, placing the school among the top elementary schools in New York. The school fosters a positive and nurturing environment, reflected in its very high attendance rate and a 0% suspension rate, both significantly outperforming citywide benchmarks. Parents consistently report overwhelmingly positive experiences, with survey results showing high satisfaction regarding the school's climate and relationships. The faculty is often described as dedicated and caring, contributing to a unified staff and stable leadership. The school benefits from an active parent community and partnerships with various organizations that enrich students' exposure to arts and culture, including the New York Philharmonic and National Dance Institute. Housed in a distinctive building designed by renowned architect Edward Durell Stone, the school also maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio, providing individualized attention.
Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.
Quality signals
FacultyExcellentAI-estimated
InstructionExcellent
Safety & climateExcellent
Family tiesGood
DOE quality-rating labels are skewed across the system; read them relative to the citywide distribution in our .
Parent survey · overall positive
87%
Admissions
Seats, applicants, and admissions method from the most recent cycle. Where the school enrolls separate tracks (general ed, students with disabilities, specialized education), each track is shown on its own row, with its priority order beneath it.
Kindergarten (03M199)
Program code 03M199KG · Cycle 2024-2025
Zoned
240 applicants · 100 seats last year; offers ran out before reaching Other students who live outside the district..
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.
Proficiency rates are from the Grade 3–8 NYS state test (school-level).
Attendance rate
98%
Avg class size (general ed)
20.78
Avg class size (ICT)
20.75
Average class size by classroom setting: general education vs. ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching, where general- and special-education students learn together with two teachers). NYC DOE Class Size Report, 2021–22.
100% response rate
Teacher survey · overall positive
89%96% response rate
Survey topics
Safety97%city 89%
My students are safe…outside around this school.100%
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.84%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.
Bullying prevention37%city 42%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.37%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (37%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.
Emotional support91%city 84%
How many adults at this school…help students develop the skills they need to complete challenging coursework despite obstacles?.95%
How many adults at this school…tell their students they believe they can achieve high academic standards?.95%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.90%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.85%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Academic expectations81%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?.62%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Family outreach96%city 94%
At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.95%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.98%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.98%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.98%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.91%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.93%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.100%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.97%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.
Parent–teacher trust95%city 95%
I feel respected by my child's teachers.98%
Staff at this school work hard to build trusting relationships with parents/guardians like me.93%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Show all survey topicsShow fewer
Rigorous Instruction
Strong Core Instruction97%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].100%
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.
Female / male shares as published by the DOE; other gender identities aren’t reported in the source data.
100
240
—
↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school.
25
25
1.00
↳ Other students who live in the zone.
55
55
1.00
↳ Students who live in the district and have a sibling at the school.
5
5
1.00
↳ Students who live outside the district and have a sibling at the school.
—
—
—
↳ Other students who live in the district.
10
120
12.00
↳ Other students who live outside the district.
0
35
—
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.
64th percentile citywide
School-managed budget
$9.3MPositions: 78
63rd percentile citywide
Total spend per student
$30,023
30th percentile citywide · city median $33,606
Staffing costs
Principal’s salary
$151K
2nd percentile citywide
Principal and assistant principals
$447KPositions: 3
43rd percentile citywide
Teaching staff
$5.2MPositions: 45
65th 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.
PositionsAvg eachBudget
Leadership3$149K$447K
ASST HEAD OF SCHOOL2$148K$296K
HEAD OF SCHOOL1$151K$151K
Teachers45$115K$5.2M
K / WHOLE CLASS4$121K$484K
1 / WHOLE CLASS3$119K$357K
2 / WHOLE CLASS3$119K$357K
SCIENCE - GENERAL SCIENCE / WHOLE CLASS3$117K$352K
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) 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].
100%
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].93%
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].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. [ELA].96%
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].100%
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].100%
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].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. [Math].82%
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].91%
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 (97%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Quality of Student Discussion81%city 67%
How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.76%
How many students in your classes…use data or text references to support their ideas?.77%
How many students in your classes…show that they respect each other’s ideas?.90%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.66%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.95%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Collaborative Teachers
Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction97%city 92%
I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.91%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.100%
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.100%
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).95%
I am able to...apply my knowledge of parents' various cultural backgrounds when collaborating with them regarding their child's educational progress.100%
I am able to...develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs for my students with disabilities.98%
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.98%
I have conversations about race and racism at my school that help me examine my own beliefs around identity.83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (97%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
School Commitment94%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.95%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.93%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Peer Collaboration92%city 87%
At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.88%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.98%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.90%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Innovation and Collective Responsibility88%city 79%
How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.93%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.95%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.76%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.81%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.95%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 79% 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.76%
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.71%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.86%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
Supportive Environment
Classroom Behavior92%city 66%
How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.90%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.98%
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?.97%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Effective School Leadership
Inclusive Leadership91%city 95%
The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.92%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.91%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.91%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (91%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Program Coherence90%city 83%
At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.93%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.88%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.90%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Instructional Leadership84%city 86%
The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.86%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.74%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.95%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.93%
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.98%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.79%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.86%
Teacher Influence63%city 66%
At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.86%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.55%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.49%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.61%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.66%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (63%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Strong Family-Community Ties
Strong Relationships88%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].88%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Parent Involvement in School64%city 63%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.93%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.98%
I know how to contact the Parent Coordinator at my child’s school.1%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (64%) is their average, vs 63% citywide.
Trust
Teacher-Teacher Trust94%city 86%
Teachers in this school trust each other.93%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.93%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.95%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Parent-Principal Trust92%city 94%
I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.92%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).92%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.93%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Teacher-Principal Trust80%city 84%
I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.81%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.72%
The principal/school leader has confidence in the expertise of the teachers at this school.79%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).72%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.91%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.81%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.86%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (80%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Enrollment
575
Economic Need Index
30%
Free / reduced lunch
24%
English learners
10%
Students with IEPs
20%
$113K
$338K
5 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher3$99K$296K
5 / WHOLE CLASS2$136K$272K
3 / WHOLE CLASS2$134K$267K
1 / ICT - General Ed Teacher2$133K$266K
1 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher2$119K$238K
2 / ICT - General Ed Teacher2$119K$238K
5 / ICT - General Ed Teacher2$119K$238K
3 / ICT - General Ed Teacher2$116K$232K
3 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher2$110K$219K
2 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher2$94K$189K
MUSIC / WHOLE CLASS1$137K$137K
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / WHOLE CLASS1$122K$122K
3, 4, 5 / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED1$119K$119K
4 / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$119K$119K
ARTS / WHOLE CLASS1$119K$119K
K / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$119K$119K
K / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$119K$119K
4 / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$1,569$1,569
2
$91K
$182K
School Psychologist1$175K$175K
Guidance Counselor1$142K$142K
School Aides and Other Support Staff0—$123K
SETSS / PUSH IN/PULL OUT1$119K$119K
SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER I1$101K$101K
PHYSICAL THERAPY / PUSH IN/PULL OUT1$92K$92K
School Secretary1$77K$77K
PARENT COORDINATOR1$64K$64K
School Social Workers Mandated Services1$59K$59K
IEP-HEALTH1$45K$45K
DC 37 Para More Than 20 Hrs0—$992
$49K
AFTER/BEFORE SCHOOL STUDENT PROGRAMS$44K
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT$4,189
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES$2,611
$11K
Textbooks$11K
Educational Software$8,228
Data Processing Repair - Contractual$5,363
Library Books$3,594
Non-Contractual Services$1,800
Transportation of Staff - Non-Contract$680
Telephone and Other Communications$384
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.61%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (84%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.