Very Good
#960 of 4,739 schools in NY
Top 20% in state
PS 155 William Paca
Elementary School · NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 4
319 E 117TH ST, New York, NY 10035
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In New York
#93 of 346
public schools
New York elementary schools
#613 of 2,549
In district
#10 of 28
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 4
Academic growth
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About PS 155 William Paca
PS 155 William Paca is an elementary school located in the heart of New York City, specifically at 319 E 117th St. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and has a total enrollment of 255 students with a student-teacher ratio of 9.1:1. PS 155 offers a supportive learning environment, thanks to its relatively low teacher-to-student ratio, which allows for individual attention.
The academic performance at PS 155 indicates room for improvement, with 26% of students proficient in ELA/Reading and 25% meeting proficiency standards in Math. The school currently ranks at the 27th percentile among all New York schools based on MySchoolScout's rating system. Despite these challenges, the dedicated teaching staff works tirelessly to enhance student learning and development.
PS 155 is situated in a vibrant city setting that offers numerous cultural and educational opportunities for students beyond the classroom. The school community reflects the diverse character of its urban location, providing a rich environment where children can grow and thrive both academically and socially.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at PS 155 William Paca are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
With a student-teacher ratio of 9.1:1, PS 155 William Paca offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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PS 155 William Paca — Students at PS 155 William Paca score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NY NYSED (2020-21)
Based on 10 test records from NY state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.2/10.
How PS 155 William Paca Compares
See how PS 155 William Paca performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 17% (2019) to 30% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 17% (2019) to 30% (2021).
Location
319 E 117TH ST, New York, NY 10035
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering PS 155 William Paca may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. PS 7 SAMUEL STERN (rated 8.5/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is PS 112 JOSE CELSO BARBOSA (rated 7.9/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, PS 96 JOSEPH LANZETTA (rated 7.5/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in New York, see our New York schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 0.6 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 10035 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$40,556
Median Home Value
$663,500
Median Rent
$1,283/mo
Population
39,082
College Educated
30.7%
Homeownership
9.9%
Avg Commute
37.6 min
Poverty Rate
37.2%
Median Age
36.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding PS 155 William Paca has a median household income of $40,556. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $663,500, with a median rent of $1,283/month. The area has a poverty rate of 37.2%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute in the area is 38 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| BELLE SHERMAN SCHOOL Ithaca, NY | 7.6 |
| CHAZY CENTRAL RURAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chazy, NY | 7.6 |
| CONCOURSE VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bronx, NY | 7.6 |
| D B BUNCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pavilion, NY | 7.6 |
| EDWARDS-KNOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Hermon, NY | 7.6 |
| ELMWOOD-FRANKLIN SCHOOL Buffalo, NY | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PS 155 William Paca
What grades does PS 155 William Paca serve?
PS 155 William Paca serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend PS 155 William Paca?
PS 155 William Paca has an enrollment of approximately 255 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at PS 155 William Paca?
The student-teacher ratio at PS 155 William Paca is 9.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does PS 155 William Paca rank in NY?
PS 155 William Paca is ranked #960 out of 4,739 schools in NY.
What is PS 155 William Paca's MySchoolScout rating?
PS 155 William Paca has a composite rating of 7.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at PS 155 William Paca?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, PS 155 William Paca has 24.8% math proficiency and 26.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is PS 155 William Paca a charter school?
No, PS 155 William Paca is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is PS 155 William Paca a Title I school?
No, PS 155 William Paca is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for PS 155 William Paca?
98.4% of students at PS 155 William Paca qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 255
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- New York County
- Phone
- (212) 860-5885
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 4- District Enrollment
- 11,690
- Schools in District
- 29
- District Rank
- #10 of 28
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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- Best Schools in New York, NY — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Student-Teacher Ratio by State: Complete 2026 Rankingsdata insights
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