Serving 476 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 90% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 476 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: PS 42 Benjamin Altman serves a compact attendance zone of approximately 0.1 square miles in New York, NY, where most families are within a 5-10 minute drive, and the average distance to the zone's edge is around 0.2 miles, reaching up to 0.3 miles at its furthest point.
- 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 476 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
476 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
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 0.53, 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
#414 out of 4346 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
52%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
49%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
66%
10%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
16%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
15%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
White
10%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.8%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
55%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
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?
476 students attend P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman students are Asian, 16% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are White, 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 Reviews
5 10/10/2025
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.
5 10/10/2025
I love this school because the teacher are so nice .
Review P.s. 42 Benjamin Altman. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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