Serving 217 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 396 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is lower than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 217 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥80% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
P.s. 396 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
P.s. 396's student population of 217 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
217 students
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
P.s. 396 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 396 is 0.39, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.73. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3272 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
76%
31%
Black
19%
15%
White
1%
39%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Spartan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 396's ranking?
P.s. 396 is ranked #3272 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 396?
217 students attend P.s. 396.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of P.s. 396 students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of P.s. 396?
P.s. 396 has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 396 offer ?
P.s. 396 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 396 part of?
P.s. 396 is part of New York City Geographic District #10.
In what neighborhood is P.s. 396 located?
P.s. 396 is located in the University Heights neighborhood of Bronx, NY. There are 8 other public schools located in University Heights.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Great school, my 2 daughters went there for 5 years they have good after school programs, teachers that care for their students, no complaints.
Review P.s. 396. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
