Serving 603 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy 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 55% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (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 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 603 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy's student population of 603 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
603 students
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy 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 Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy 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
#2346 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
11%
10%
Hispanic
62%
31%
Black
8%
15%
White
17%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.5%
34.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy's ranking?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy is ranked #2346 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy often compared to?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academyis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 83 Donald Hertz by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy?
603 students attend Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 11% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy offer ?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy part of?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy is part of New York City Geographic District #11.
In what neighborhood is Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy located?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy is located in the Morris Park neighborhood of Bronx, NY. There are 7 other public schools located in Morris Park.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Great school
5 10/10/2025
I am a student at Van Nest Academy in the 5th-grade class of 501. I have been at the school since 2017 and visited the school before this. The teachers that I''ve had are great, the ones I''ve seen leave and the ones who I have seen since the first day. The teachers are efficient at spreading information as they let us talk to friends, thus letting us learn more. For state tests, I got my first one last year. I did not get one in Third grade because of Covid-19. I feel that as a result of the teacher''s efficiency at teaching and the talking in classes between students while the teachers weren''t talking, so basically you would hear nothing but talking the whole time. Back to the state tests. Because of what we were doing, most of us (most of the people who did well sat with our friends) did well. Four teachers who would let you talk are 1. Ms, Pellegrino 2. Mr. McConnel 3. Ms. McConnville 4. Mr. Lupinacci. This is all I could think of, so this would be the end of the review. Again, I love the school.
Review Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy. 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
