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GreatSchools Rating

P.S. 96 Richard Rodgers

Public | K-5 | 1055 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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21 reviews of this school


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Posted April 17, 2013

This school is great from the Principal to the school guard. That includes the administrative staff, ESL and the rest of the Teachers, school psychastrist, social worker, guidance cousoler. Some people brag about Manhattan schools well 96 is on top of that.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2012

No school is perfect and this one is not, BUT, considering the alternative of a private school like St. Lucy which in my opinion is not worth the expense, it meets the fundamentals. The teachers in the majority are accesible, cordial and competent. The principal is ok. She does need a refresher at charm school, although the stress of a 1,000 kids would make anyone cranky. The school is clean and well kept. The auditorium should get the air conditioning fixed. Overall, the school, the neighborhood, the nearby parks and the sense of safety makes this part of the Bronx and city one of the best kept secrets for raising a family. I hope the cat is not out of the bag with this review, lol.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2011

Excellent school, great staff, great communication with teachers & parents!!! Teachers are caring , We love 96!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 29, 2011

I was a student at PS 96 back in 1975-1978 and I will always remember one teacher Mrs. Gellis as an outstanding teacher, and as a person who brought honor to the profession, which seems to be lacking in today's new breed of educators that I have come across in recent times. Maybe it is my impression that the teachers in the poorer performing states are being compelled to teach to an exam, but it is my opinion that previous generations of American students were not only prepared academically to venture out into the world, but were also able to think on their feet as well. Peter Charneco


Posted March 10, 2011

THIS IS A GREAT SCHOOL ALL THE TEACHERS R EXCELENT THE PRINCIPAL IS THE BEST & THE STAFF ALSO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .....................
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 3, 2010

This is an excellent scholl with one fault. Ms. Ocasio at the door. They need to change her and place someone else with more compassion towards the children. She does not care that the children are small and waiting to go inside prior to the cutoff breakfast time which is 7:55am. Some of these kids make it early to school to go inside to he warmth and not wait outside in this freezing weather. She needs to adjust her watch. I have seen many parents outside arguing with her because she wont let the small kids inside and it is not 7:55am yet. They really need to do something with her. I implore Ms. Garcia the priinciple to get this lady a new watch.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 31, 2010

My daughter also came from a private school and I have gone through some similar issues but I find visiting the school and speaking with the teachers personally can help clear matters. My daughter has only good things to say about Ms Cline and Simms.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2010

My kids are in 1st and 3rd grade at PS96, Bronx. I appreciate Ms Garcia for excellent leadership , also Ms Carol and Ms Belvette for great teaching skills. Special thanks to Ms Belvette .
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 31, 2009

I think this school is wonderful. The principal and teachers are very loving and caring, and my daughter has fun while learning everything she needs to know for her age and grade.
—Submitted by Beena, a parent


Posted April 29, 2009

I love this school. The teachers are very caring and the children learn alot. My kids love it and have learned alot since attending this school. I give this school an A+
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 23, 2009

Very good school. The teachers and other staff members work very hard for the children to achieve the best. Class size in this school is very small. I am very happy with this school and my children love it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 20, 2009

The school is staffed with wonderful people as well as the teens who volunteer, the learning assignmetns really help my 6 year old get ready for schooling to come..
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 8, 2009

I am very happy with this school. My children's teachers are extraordinary and make great efforts in helping my kids with all their academic needs. The school itself it's amazing great leaders behind it all. I am proud of my kids progress and they seem to be very excited to attend classes each day.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 6, 2008

I attended this school years ago. Graduated 2003. It was an amazing experiance. Looking back, I had a great time and learned so much. The teachers are truly dedicated. The Principal, Ms. Garcia, took control and made things better.
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 31, 2008

I think this is a great. I attended and now my son does. Clean classrooms, lunchroom, and good teachers. Love the after shool program. Cant wait to see what the years bring.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 30, 2008

I volunteered at this school, and it was an amazing experience. The principal and assistant principals are very serious when it comes to learning and safety.


Posted June 11, 2008

My son attends this school and the teachers are great, he loves his school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 5, 2007

This is a very good school. The teachers work with the students individually. My two daughters graduated from this school and they can't stop talking about the teachers, most especially the one from Ms vassallo's class. I really appreciate all the teachers and the rest of the staff members for their hard work.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 15, 2007

The school has been a great support system for the children and I especially admire my daughter's 3rd grade teacher Mrs. W. Torres. She is an outstanding teacher and role model for all her students. She is warm hearted, friendly and overall genuine in all she does. I can also say that Mrs. Arnold and Mrs Guiliano are also exceptional teachers. Jessica
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 1, 2007

This is a great school. My daughter attended kindergarten with one of the greatest teachers-Mrs. Guiliano. The class size was a bit much as there were 18 students to one teacher in her kindergarten class. The support of teachers and administrators during difficult times in a child's home life are amazing.
—Submitted by Krici Ramos, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2012.

159 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
63%
Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

161 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
62%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2012.

163 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
61%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

164 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
80%
Science

The state average for Science was 88% in 2011.

161 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
98%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

177 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 67% in 2012.

180 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
74%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, and in grades 4 and 8 in science. The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles and the science results will be added when they are released in the Fall of 2013. The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York. The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York State Education Department

In 2009-2010, this school was given a grade of "B" for the elementary school level.

About the tests


Progress Report Grades measure the school's contribution to student learning in three areas: School Environment, Student Performance and Student Progress. Schools can receive additional credit for achieving exemplary performance progress among high-needs students. Progress Report Grades range from A to F.

See New York's state standards

Source: New York City Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 60% 21%
Black 21% 19%
White 13% 51%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 8%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 90%N/A44%
Limited English proficient 17%N/A7%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 13N/A13
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Fewer than 3 years experience 12%N/A10%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree and above 39%N/A33%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Teachers with no valid teaching certificate 12%N/A5%
Source: NYSED, 2007-2008
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

650 Waring Ave
Bronx, NY 10467
Phone: (718) 652-4959

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