Serving 463 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Paul J Bellew Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to 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 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 463 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Paul J Bellew Elementary School serves the southern part of West Islip, NY, covering an attendance area of approximately 3 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with most living about 1 mile away from its edges and the furthest point being around 2 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
Paul J Bellew Elementary School's student population of 463 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
463 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
School Motto
The West Islip Community is committed to excellence in education through the establishment of an academic, vocational and social environment in which all children can learn and succeed.
School Rankings
Paul J Bellew Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paul J Bellew Elementary School is 0.27, 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
#1601 out of 4346 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
10%
Hispanic
11%
31%
Black
n/a
15%
White
85%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)6.5%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
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 Paul J Bellew Elementary School's ranking?
Paul J Bellew Elementary School is ranked #1601 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in New York.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend Paul J Bellew Elementary School?
463 students attend Paul J Bellew Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Paul J Bellew Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paul J Bellew Elementary School?
Paul J Bellew Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Paul J Bellew Elementary School offer ?
Paul J Bellew Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paul J Bellew Elementary School part of?
Paul J Bellew Elementary School is part of West Islip Union Free School District.
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