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P.S. 234 Independence School

Grades: K-5
Staff Pick
292 Greenwich Street
Manhattan NY 10007
Phone: 212-233-6034

Our Insights

What’s Special

One of city's most popular schools; recess twice a day for youngest students

The Downside

A few teachers would like better communication with the principal

Just a 10-minute walk from the Hudson River, PS 234 has long been a magnet for families living in Tribeca. Children explore the rich waterways, bridges, and parks outside the school door, and enjoy sparkly city views from one of the prettiest playgrounds in the city.

Children explore the city with trips to Central Park, local restaurants, or the Brooklyn Bridge—and have opportunities through reading, writing, and the arts to reflect on their experiences. Science lessons focus on discovery and include a study of snails, watching eggs hatch, or learning about birds. Older students examine the theme of "revolution," through women's suffrage, civil rights and other historic events. In 5th grade, they pick and research an on-going revolution, such as the American Gay Rights Movement. "It's all part of being in a Democracy, Principal Susan Ripperger said. "The idea that unrest never ends."

Recess is sacrosanct—kindergartners and 1st-graders go outside twice a day; 2nd through 5th-graders go out once or twice a day. The Parents' Association raises money for the well-regarded music program. Children study dance with instructors from the National Dance Institute. Studio in a School provides art lessons.

PS 234's three-story, beige brick building, built in 1988, has large, sunny rooms, light oak tables and chairs, brightly lit corridors and floors with shiny beige tiles.

Some teachers grumble that communication with the principal could be better. Ripperger said she has had to make some "tough" staffing decisions that she believes benefits students. The vast majority of parents are satisfied and most teachers would recommend the school to other parents, according to school surveys

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Ripperger is committed to serving children with special needs in regular classes. The school offers team-teaching classes with two teachers, one of whom is certified in special education. Forty percent of the children in these classes have special needs. Ripperger does not believe in separating children; even those who would be assigned to a "self-contained" class are integrated successfully here, she said.

ADMISSIONS: Zoned, neighborhood school (Lydie Raschka, interview and DOE data, August 2016)

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School Stats

Citywide Average Key
This school is Better Near Worse than the citywide average

Is this school safe and well-run?

From the 2020-21 NYC School Survey

How many teachers say the principal is an effective manager?
71%
82% Citywide Average

From the 2019-20 NY State Report Card

How many students were suspended?
0%
1% Citywide Average

From this school's most recent Quality Review Report

Are teachers effective?

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

How many teachers have 3 or more years of experience teaching?
76%
84% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
4.1

How do students perform academically?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
79%
53% Citywide Average
How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
86%
50% Citywide Average

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
474
Asian
9%
Black
2%
Hispanic
11%
White
67%
Other
11%
Free or reduced priced lunch
8%
Students with disabilities
16%
English language learners
3%

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
94%
90% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
17%
40% Citywide Average

How does this school serve special populations?

From the New York State 2022-2023 Assessment Database

How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
32%
30% Citywide Average
How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
48%
23% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
0%
21% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
0%
12% Citywide Average


For more information about our data sources, see About Our Data · More DOE statistics for this school

Contact & Location

Location

Tribeca (District 2)
Trains: R Line to City Hall; E Line to World Trade Center; 6 Line to Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall; 4 Line, 5 Line, J Line, Z Line to Fulton St-Broadway-Nassau; 1 Line, 2 Line, 3 Line, A Line, C Line to Chambers St
Buses: BM2, BxM18, M20, M22, M5, M9, QM11, X1, X10, X10B, X11, X12, X15, X17, X17A, X19, X28, X3, X4, X7, X8

Contact

Principal
Dana Rappaportchaqor
Parent Coordinator
Magdalena Lenski

Other Details

Shared campus?
No
This school is in its own building.
Metal detectors?
No

Zone for the 2019-2020 school year. Call school to confirm.

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