P.S. 042 Benjamin Altman

P.S. 042 Benjamin Altman, serving students from Pre-K through 5th grade in Manhattan's Lower East Side, is widely recognized for its strong academic environment and vibrant community. The school consistently achieves high proficiency rates in both English Language Arts and Math, performing well above citywide medians and state averages. Parents express high satisfaction, describing a warm and supportive atmosphere where children are challenged academically without feeling stressed. The faculty is highly regarded, with many teachers being alumni, contributing to a deep-rooted sense of community and family involvement. Distinctive offerings include robust arts partnerships, such as collaborations with the Guggenheim, and unique physical education opportunities like swimming at the Chinatown YMCA and two full-time gym teachers. While the historic, century-old building has some architectural quirks and a current lack of dedicated outdoor space due to construction, the school actively utilizes nearby parks and fields.