Serving 457 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman ranks in the top 10% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 85-89% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 69% (which is higher than the New York state average of 49%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 457 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman's student population of 457 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
457 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
School Rankings
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman ranks within the top 10% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#414 out of 4346 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
78%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
71%
10%
Hispanic
10%
30%
Black
4%
16%
White
11%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman's ranking?
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman is ranked #414 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in New York.
What schools are P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman often compared to?
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altmanis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 2 Meyer London by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman?
457 students attend P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman students are Asian, 11% of students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman?
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman offer ?
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman part of?
P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman is part of New York City Geographic District # 2 School District.
School Reviews
5 6/21/2021
I love this school because the teacher are so nice .
5 2/10/2014
I attended P.S. 42 from the fall of 1946 through the spring of 1952 (kindergarten through 5th grade). I was not a model student, until the 5th grade, when Mrs. (?) Brown somehow managed to engage me. Am wondering if any info is available about this wonderful teacher.
Thanks.
Review P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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