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P.S. 204 Morris Heights

Grades: Pre-K, K-5
Staff Pick
1780 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Bronx NY 10453
Phone: 718-960-9520

Our Insights

What’s Special

Lots of music and science in a beautiful building

The Downside

Some concerns about safety outside the school

A gorgeous building, science lessons three times a week, as well as music, dance, art and lots of field trips make PS 204 a sought-after school. Parents and teachers are very satisfied with the school, according to the Department of Educations annual surveys.

Amanda Blatter become principal in 2014 when longtime principal Marcy Glattstein retired. Blatter, who served as principal of PS 109 for 11 years, is energetic and really seems to care about the kids. "Teachers absolutely love her," said school secretary Rosalie Carbone. Blatter said teacher turnover is low, and teachers support one another and work collaboratively.

On our visit, pre-k children were engaged in dramatic play and painting, thoroughly enjoying themselves. "It's what pre-k should be," Blatter said. "I love mess. That means they are getting creative in their play."

The school has introduced the respected Teacher's College Reading and Writing Workshop, a approach that teachers say gets kids excited about writing and reading, while building strong reading and editorial skills. Blatter says the school is shifting from a traditional form of instruction—with teachers doing most of the talking—to one in which children are encouraged to take part in class discussions.

The music program seems particularly strong. Children in every grade from pre-k to 5th learn to sing or play musical instruments. They also study music theory. Instruments include recorder, drums, xylophone, guitar and piano.

There are lots of fun activities, such as a class trip to see a puppet show in Central Park, the New York Historical Society or Wave Hill gardens. Children learn ballroom dancing, singing, studio art and even put on musicals such as "Aladdin." They have physical education two or three times a week in a large gym. Children go out for recess every day.

There are two full-time science teachers, and a dedicated science lab—rare in elementary school. On one of our visits, we saw kids look at pictures of animals and identify which features show their adaptation to their environment. For example, an ostrich’s long legs allow it to run fast and escape its predators. A giraffe’s long neck allows it to eat leaves in the treetops and spot predators from a distance.

Some concerns about safety outside the school show up on school surveys, but teachers overwhelming say students are safe in school.

The school serves many children in shelters or living doubled up with relatives. Good Shepherd Services offers therapy for children. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION: PS 204 offers a range of services, including, Integrated co-Teaching (team-teaching classes that combine students with disabilities and general education students) and small "self-contained" classes. The school shares a building with a District 75 program for children with severe disabilities. A handful of children with autism from the District 75 school are mixed into general education classes.

ADMISSIONS: Zoned neighborhood school. (Mahalia Watson, November 2015; updated with web reports, March 2020)

 

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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?
98%
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?
91%
84% Citywide Average
Years of principal experience at this school
8.1

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?
55%
53% Citywide Average
How many elementary school students scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
50%
50% Citywide Average

What is the Pre-K like?

From the NYC Program Assessment (CLASS and ECERS-R) Database through 2019-2020

Instruction: Teachers ask kids to explain their reasoning when they solve problems
Activities: Children explore art, music, sand/water, dramatic play and more
Language: Teachers talk and listen to kids in a supportive way
Interaction: Teachers ask kids good questions and invite back-and-forth conversation

Who does this school serve?

From the 2022-23 Demographic Snapshot

Enrollment
563
Asian
1%
Black
27%
Hispanic
69%
White
2%
Other
1%
Free or reduced priced lunch
89%
Students with disabilities
25%
English language learners
13%
Pre-K seats
34

From the 2021-22 School Quality Guide

Average daily attendance
91%
90% Citywide Average
How many students miss 18 or more days of school?
35%
40% Citywide Average

From the 2020 School Directories

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?
35%
30% Citywide Average
How many students with disabilities scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
24%
23% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state math exam?
19%
21% Citywide Average
How many English language learners scored 3-4 on the state reading exam?
19%
12% Citywide Average


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

Contact & Location

Location

Morris Heights (District 9)
Trains: B Line, D Line to 174th-175th Sts; 4 Line to 176th St
Buses: Bx1, Bx18, Bx2, Bx3, Bx32, Bx36, Bx40, Bx42

Contact

Principal
Amanda Blatter
Parent Coordinator
Lilly Nissing

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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