P.S. 396 is a small elementary school in the Bronx, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade. The school is recognized for its inclusive environment, notably featuring an ASD Nest program that integrates students with autism into co-teaching classrooms alongside general education peers. It serves a community with significant needs, reflected in its high percentages of students in temporary housing, those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, English Language Learners, and students with Individualized Education Programs. Academically, students demonstrate proficiency in ELA and Math that is above the citywide 25th percentile, though below the median. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school, praising the dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong communication. The school maintains a very low suspension rate and offers a variety of arts programs, including music, art, and theater, often incorporating social justice themes through residencies. After-school activities span sports, arts, gardening, and STEM. A distinctive "Movement in the Morning" program aims to energize students for learning. The school occupies a multi-building campus, including structures dating back to 1922 and 1938, and shares its complex with MS 390.
Demographics, attendance, school survey results, and DOE quality ratings.
Quality signals
FacultyExcellentAI-estimated
InstructionGood
Safety & climateGood
Family tiesExcellent
DOE quality-rating labels are skewed across the system; read them relative to the citywide distribution in our .
Parent survey · overall positive
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.
Pre-K - School Day
Program code 10X396PK · Cycle 2024-2025
Zoned
20 applicants · 28 seats last year; every priority group with applicants received offers.
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.
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.
91%86% response rate
Teacher survey · overall positive
85%67% response rate
Survey topics
Safety75%city 89%
My students are safe…outside around this school.50%
My students are safe…traveling between home and this school.59%
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.67%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (75%) is their average, vs 89% citywide.
Bullying prevention52%city 42%
At this school students harass, bully, or intimidate other students.52%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (52%) is their average, vs 42% citywide.
Emotional support92%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?.94%
How many adults at this school…teach students how to advocate for themselves?.91%
How many adults at this school…recognize disruptive behavior as social-emotional learning opportunities?.87%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Academic expectations92%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.97%
How many students in your classes…have to work hard to do well?.86%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (92%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
College & career guidance71%city 90%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide students with guidance on the high school application process.71%
It’s a priority at this school that adults…provide families with guidance on the high school application process.71%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (71%) is their average, vs 90% citywide.
Family outreach97%city 94%
At this school…teachers understand families' challenges and concerns.91%
At this school…teachers work closely with families to meet students' needs.100%
At this school…staff regularly communicate with families about how they can help students learn.100%
At this school…school staff value families' race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, and background.100%
School staff regularly communicate with me about how I can help my child learn.95%
Teachers work closely with me to meet my child's needs.96%
My child's school communicates with me in a language that I can understand.97%
I am greeted warmly when I contact or visit the school.96%
My child's school will make me aware if there are any concerns about my child’s social or emotional well-being.
Parent–teacher trust96%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.96%
My child's teachers treat me as a partner in educating my child.94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Show all survey topicsShow fewer
Rigorous Instruction
Strong Core Instruction94%city 91%
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].80%
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.
28
20
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↳ Current students.
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↳ Students who live in the zone and have a sibling at the school.
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↳ Other students who live in the zone.
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↳ 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.
15
15
1.00
↳ 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.
47th percentile citywide
School-managed budget
$7.7MPositions: 62
50th percentile citywide
Total spend per student
$63,521
96th percentile citywide · city median $33,606
Staffing costs
Principal’s salary
$208K
73rd percentile citywide
Principal and assistant principals
$507KPositions: 3
53rd percentile citywide
Teaching staff
$4.3MPositions: 37
54th 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 (97%) 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. [Science].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. [Science].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. [Science].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. [Science].100%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to include multiple opportunities for…creating coherent progressions within the standards from previous grades to current grade to build onto previous learning. [Science].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].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. [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].86%
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].93%
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].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. [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].60%
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].90%
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].80%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 91% citywide.
Early Childhood Instruction78%city 92%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to…meet the needs of the children in my classroom. [Early childhood].67%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to…develop learning experiences grounded in the concepts of development and learning emphasized in the Prekindergarten Foundations for the Common Core (PKFCC), New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards (NYSPLS) and/or Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF). [Early childhood].83%
In planning my last instructional unit, I had the resources and tools I needed to…help children engage with books and materials, or in other learning activities reflective of their diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic perspective. [Early childhood].83%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (78%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
Quality of Student Discussion56%city 67%
How many students in your classes…build on each other’s ideas during class discussions?.47%
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?.69%
How many students in your classes…provide constructive feedback to their peers/teachers?.44%
How many students in your classes…participate in class discussions at some point?.69%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (56%) is their average, vs 67% citywide.
Collaborative Teachers
Peer Collaboration96%city 87%
At this school…the principal/school leader, teachers, and staff collaborate to make this school run effectively.94%
At this school…teachers design instructional programs (e.g. lessons, units) together.97%
At this school…teachers make a conscious effort to coordinate their teaching with instruction at other grade levels.97%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (96%) is their average, vs 87% citywide.
Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Classroom Instruction95%city 92%
I am able to...receive support around how to incorporate students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds in my practice.94%
I am able to...modify instructional activities and materials to meet the developmental needs and learning interests of all my students.97%
I am able to...ensure instruction represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.97%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple genders, gender identities and expressions and sexual orientations.97%
I am able to…ensure instruction represents multiple races and ethnicities.97%
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).88%
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.97%
I am able to...monitor progress on Individualized Education Program goals for my students with disabilities.97%
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.94%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 92% citywide.
School Commitment87%city 83%
I usually look forward to each working day at this school.91%
I would recommend this school to parents/guardians seeking a place for their child.85%
I would recommend this school to other teachers as a place to work.85%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (87%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Innovation and Collective Responsibility87%city 79%
How many teachers at this school…help build a welcoming school environment in the entire school, not just their classroom?.85%
How many teachers at this school…are actively trying to improve their teaching?.97%
How many teachers at this school…take responsibility for improving the school?.79%
How many teachers at this school…are eager to try new ideas?.76%
How many teachers at this school…feel responsible that all students learn?.97%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (87%) is their average, vs 79% citywide.
Quality of Professional Development85%city 82%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...included enough time to think carefully about, try, and evaluate new ideas.88%
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.78%
Overall, my professional development experiences this year have...directly related to my students’ needs.88%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (85%) is their average, vs 82% citywide.
Supportive Environment
Classroom Behavior60%city 66%
How many students in your classes…listen carefully when the teacher gives directions?.59%
How many students in your classes…follow the rules in class?.78%
How many students in your classes…respond to challenging questions in class?.48%
How many students in your classes…do their work when they are supposed to?.54%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (60%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Effective School Leadership
Inclusive Leadership95%city 95%
The principal/school leader at this school…puts decisions made with families into action.95%
The principal/school leader at this school…works to create a sense of community in the school.97%
The principal/school leader at this school…ensures families are comfortable communicating with the school.92%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (95%) is their average, vs 95% citywide.
Program Coherence89%city 83%
At this school…once we start a new program, we follow up to make sure that it’s working.78%
At this school…it is clear how all of the programs offered are connected to our school’s instructional vision.91%
At this school…curriculum, instruction, and learning materials are well coordinated across the different grade levels at this school.97%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (89%) is their average, vs 83% citywide.
Instructional Leadership88%city 86%
The principal/school leader at this school...makes clear to the staff their expectations for meeting instructional goals.97%
The principal/school leader at this school...understands how children learn.82%
The principal/school leader at this school...sets high standards for student learning.94%
The principal/school leader at this school...participates in instructional planning with teams of teachers.79%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…supports teachers in implementing what they have learned in professional development.85%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…carefully tracks student academic progress.97%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…knows what’s going on in my classes.81%
The principal/assistant principal(s) at this school…provides teachers with formative feedback to improve practice.91%
Teacher Influence71%city 66%
At this school…the principal/school leader encourages feedback through regular meetings with families and teacher leaders.85%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...hiring new professional personnel?.82%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...planning how discretionary school funds should be used?.52%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...selecting instructional materials and/or curriculum used in classrooms?.55%
How much influence do teachers have over school policy in...setting standards for student behavior?.79%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (71%) is their average, vs 66% citywide.
Strong Family-Community Ties
Building Families' Capacity as their Child's Primary Teacher97%city 96%
My child’s teachers give me helpful ideas about how I can support my child’s learning and development. [Birth-5].94%
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 (97%) 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 School76%city 71%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…communicated with your child's teachers about your child's performance?.99%
Since the beginning of the school year, how often have you…seen your child’s projects, artwork, homework, tests, or quizzes?.98%
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.8%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (76%) is their average, vs 71% citywide.
Trust
Parent-Principal Trust94%city 94%
I feel respected by my child's principal/school leader.95%
I trust the principal/school leader at their word (to do what they say that they will do).93%
The principal/school leader is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.95%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (94%) is their average, vs 94% citywide.
Teacher-Teacher Trust90%city 86%
Teachers in this school trust each other.88%
It's OK in this school to discuss feelings, worries, and frustrations with other teachers.91%
I feel respected by other teachers at this school.91%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (90%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.
Teacher-Principal Trust81%city 84%
I feel respected by the principal/school leader at this school.82%
The principal/school leader at this school is an effective manager who makes the school run smoothly.82%
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).88%
The principal/school leader looks out for the personal welfare of the staff members.75%
The principal/school leader places the needs of children ahead of personal interests.84%
The principal and assistant principals function as a cohesive unit.75%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (81%) is their average, vs 84% citywide.
Enrollment
189
Economic Need Index
94%
Free / reduced lunch
94%
English learners
32%
Students with IEPs
41%
$107K
$214K
3 / ASD Special Ed2$107K$214K
4 / ASD General Ed2$107K$214K
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / WHOLE CLASS2$107K$214K
K / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$156K$156K
Pre K / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$156K$156K
K, 1 / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED1$154K$154K
NA / SELF-CONTAINED SP ED1$150K$150K
MUSIC VOCAL / WHOLE CLASS1$146K$146K
5 / ASD General Ed1$130K$130K
5 / WHOLE CLASS1$119K$119K
1 / ASD General Ed1$107K$107K
1 / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$107K$107K
2 / ASD General Ed1$107K$107K
2 / ASD Special Ed1$107K$107K
2 / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$107K$107K
4 / ICT - General Ed Teacher1$107K$107K
ARTS / WHOLE CLASS1$107K$107K
ESL / PUSH IN/PULL OUT1$107K$107K
K / ASD General Ed1$107K$107K
K / ASD Special Ed1$107K$107K
K / ICT - Special Ed Teacher1$107K$107K
READING RECOVERY / PUSH IN/PULL OUT1$107K$107K
4
$51K
$203K
PRE-K2$78K$155K
School Aides and Other Support Staff0—$126K
Guidance Counselor Bilingual1$122K$122K
SPEECH / PULL-OUT -all students1$117K$117K
COORDINATOR-IEP1$107K$107K
PHYSICAL THERAPY / PUSH IN/PULL OUT1$92K$92K
CLASSROOM - Special Ed1$78K$78K
PARENT COORDINATOR1$51K$51K
Attendance0—$31K
IEP-HEALTH1$16K$16K
$5,775
$38K
Maintenance Gen Repairs & Operation Infrastructure$33K
Educational Consultants$8,600
Data Processing Repair - Contractual$4,967
Furniture Object 300$3,362
Library Books$1,181
Telephone and Other Communications$500
How many adults at this school…have access to school-based supports to assist in behavioral/emotional escalations?.88%
Each question’s favorable response rate; the topic score (88%) is their average, vs 86% citywide.