The Benjamin Altman School, also known as PS 42, named after a prominent New York City department store mogul and art collector, is a public elementary school that enrolls students in prekindergarten through fifth grade.
PS 42 is one of the oldest continually operating elementary schools in the city's public education system, with a motto of “Over 100 Years of Collaboration Excellence.” The majestic, Renaissance Revival-style building that houses the school’s 32 classrooms was built in 1899 and has an auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium and library.
The school follows an expanded Common Core curriculum and by the fifth grade, students have mastered key math and science concepts, reading and writing techniques and the core narratives of history and social studies. True to the school’s motto, classes merge and students collaborate for combined study. For example, a unit on architecture included a class field trip, model building and talks from visiting architects.
Arts partnerships include Midori and Friends, Studio in the School and the Guggenheim Museum. All students learn to play the recorder in early grades, and second graders are taught swimming at the nearby Chinatown YMCA. Extracurricular activities at PS 42 include soccer, violin, dance and chess.
P.S. 42 Benjamin Altman
Public Pre-K, Elementary School
|
Grade Pre-K-5
71 Hester St,
New York, NY
New York City Geographic District No. 2
School Details
Head of School
Principal - Ms. May Lee
Student Teacher Ratio
11:1
Math Proficiency
82%
Reading Proficiency
69%
Niche Grade
A
A+
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Reading Proficiency
69%
Math Proficiency
82%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
11:1
Teachers
43
Full Time Teachers
43
Teachers in First or Second Year
5.5%
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Test Scores
Science
9%
State Average
20%
Math
6%
State Average
22%
Student Diversity
Male
52.5%
Female
47.5%
Asian or Pacific Islander
75.9%
White
9.5%
Hispanic
9.1%
Two or more races
2.9%
Black
2.1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%
Specialty School Programs
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
5/29/2019
I've created a lot of fond memories here, and had a lot of eye opening experiences. I'm currently going to move up to high school soon, and I can still say that I loved this school.
GreatSchools Reviews
5/7/2025
Strong PTA, great curriculum with additional support available to top up in reading and maths where needed. Good after school coverage and my child is always excited to go to school every day!
7/17/2024
My son enjoys going to school, the teachers are all wonderful. My son improved his knowledge a lot at this school. I recommend this school :)
3/22/2024
We are very happy with the school. Our son has been there 2 years now and he is always happy to go to school. The teachers and the whole staff are amazing, always friendly and helpful. We are very impressed with how much our son has progressed in various subjects, the teachers are doing an excellent...
9/18/2022
My 2nd and 4th graders are currently students in PS42 and have been at 42 from pre-k. It is a complete relief to leave my kids in a school that I love and trust. The principal and my son’s 4th grade teacher both went to 42. There’s a special sense of comfort and family that I experienced from the fi...
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Map
Attendance Zone
List Price Range
$548K - $3M
Homes For Sale
11
Average Home Value
$1,114,320
% Renters
92%
Average Household Income
$73,471
% of College Grads
37.9%
Median Age
43
Average House Size
5,273 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
94.1%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- K to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Allen Mall One
- Basketball
Hester Street Playground
Columbus Park
Collect Pond Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Forsyth Plaza
Sara D. Roosevelt Park
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
P.S. 42 Benjamin Altman is a public school for students in grades Pre-K-5 in New York, NY and is served by the New York City Geographic District No. 2 in New York. The school has a total enrollment of 527 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. Academic records show that 82% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 69% are proficient in reading. P.S. 42 Benjamin Altman has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $1,114,320. Discover additional schools in the area, like Marta Valle High School, University Neighborhood High School, New Explorations Into Science, Tech and Math High School, and more. Learn more about what New York has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near P.S. 42 Benjamin Altman.