Summary:
PS 38 Roberto Clemente is an elementary school in New York City's District 4, serving grades PK-5 with a total enrollment of 165 students. The school has a diverse student population, with a racial makeup of 7.27% White, 35.15% African American, 53.94% Hispanic, 0.61% Asian, and smaller percentages of other racial groups.
Despite high per-student spending of $34,276, PS 38 Roberto Clemente consistently ranks among the lowest-performing elementary schools in New York state, with a statewide ranking between 2,000-2,400 out of around 2,400 schools. The school's performance on state assessments is significantly below the district and state averages across all grade levels and subject areas, particularly for African American, Hispanic, and special education students. This is concerning, as the school serves a high-poverty student population, with 92.73% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. In comparison, nearby schools like Lexington Academy and Central Park East II have significantly higher academic performance and statewide rankings, despite serving similar student populations.
The school's enrollment has decreased from 165 students in the 2022-2023 school year to 165 students, a decline of over 20% in the past decade, which could be a sign of families choosing to send their children to other schools in the area. Despite the high per-student spending and the school's long history, PS 38 Roberto Clemente has not shown any significant improvement in its academic performance over the past decade, with its statewide ranking remaining in the bottom 10% of schools during this period. Addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive, data-driven approach that focuses on targeted interventions and support for the school's most vulnerable student populations.
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