Serving 451 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 51 Elias Howe ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% 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: 451 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
P.s. 51 Elias Howe's student population of 451 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
451 students
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
School Rankings
P.s. 51 Elias Howe 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. 51 Elias Howe is 0.57, 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
#2473 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
7%
10%
Hispanic
63%
31%
Black
13%
15%
White
14%
39%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 51 Elias Howe's ranking?
P.s. 51 Elias Howe is ranked #2473 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are P.s. 51 Elias Howe often compared to?
P.s. 51 Elias Howeis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 212 Midtown West by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 51 Elias Howe?
451 students attend P.s. 51 Elias Howe.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of P.s. 51 Elias Howe students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 13% of students are Black, 7% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of P.s. 51 Elias Howe?
P.s. 51 Elias Howe has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 51 Elias Howe offer ?
P.s. 51 Elias Howe offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 51 Elias Howe part of?
P.s. 51 Elias Howe is part of New York City Geographic District # 2.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
P.S.51 is a unique small school in the heart of Manhattan, characterized by its diversity, motivated by the ideal of a holistic education that integrates the arts into the process of learning, allowing the students to excel academically as well as creatively and emotionally. This focus on arts education would not be possible without the strong commitment and leadership of Principal Nancy Sing-Bock. P.S.51 was recognized by the Department of Education as having a stellar arts education program. P.S.51 was also named an Outstanding School by The Blackboard Awards, achievements that show how much we are all committed (teachers, staff and families) to the success of each student at our school. My oldest daughter has already graduated from PS51 and my youngest daughter will be attending 4th grade in September. This is by far the best primary public school in our neighborhood.
Lorena Camacho, Emilia Urcola (11) and Camila Urcola (9).
Review P.s. 51 Elias Howe. 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
