P.S. 87: A Neighborhood Gem Where Learning, Creativity, and Community Come Together.

A School with a Story

If you’ve ever wandered down West 78th Street on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, chances are you’ve passed P.S. 87 William Sherman without even realizing the legacy it holds. Nestled between classic brownstones and the pulse of Broadway, this elementary school is more than just a local landmark—it’s a lively hub of curiosity, community, and creativity.

A Mission with Heart (and a Few Hiccups)

P.S. 87 is led by Principal Monica Berry, whose vision for the school is summed up in its sunny motto: “Our Family Under the Sun.” And that’s not just warm-and-fuzzy talk. The school is genuinely committed to teaching the “whole child” and building a tight-knit, inclusive community where students are encouraged to be kind, brave, wise, and honest.

What Stands Out:

• A true focus on social-emotional learning and character education.
• Real partnerships with NYC cultural institutions—think Symphony Space, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the National Dance Institute.
• A vibe that mixes creative energy with strong academic expectations.

But Not All Sunshine:

• The building is listed as “Not Accessible” by the DOE, which is a huge issue for students, staff, and families with physical disabilities. It’s a major contradiction to the school’s inclusive mission.
• Ongoing building maintenance problems, including old scaffolding, asbestos work, and past reports of lead and PCB contamination, have drawn justified concern.

Academics: Creativity, Rigor, and Real-World Learning

P.S. 87’s academic reputation is no accident. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school blends deep interdisciplinary learning with hands-on, thematic units that actually excite kids.

Curriculum Highlights:

• Thematic Learning: Units might center around architecture or world cultures, pulling in science, reading, and math all at once.
• Dual Language Program (Spanish): A gem for families wanting bilingual learning—though it requires a separate application.
• Special Ed Supports: Inclusive and robust—offering speech, OT/PT, counseling, and co-teaching classrooms.

Academic Performance (2023–24 NYSED):

• ELA Proficiency: 84% (Grade 3), 88% (Grade 4), 92% (Grade 5)
• Math Proficiency: 85% (Grade 3), 88% (Grades 4 & 5)
• Science Proficiency: 75% (Grade 5)

These numbers are way above city averages.

The Arts: The Soul of P.S. 87

This is where P.S. 87 truly shines. The arts aren't just a bonus—they're a central part of the curriculum.

Arts Offerings:

• Music: Singing, instruments, and full integration with core subjects.
• Dance: NDI residencies in Kindergarten and 1st grade, plus ballroom dance in 4th.
• Drama: Drama teachers, regular performances, and cross-disciplinary ties to social studies and literacy.
• Visual Arts: Center for Architecture and Art Farm partnerships bring hands-on creativity to 2nd grade and beyond.
• Jazz and Culture: Jazz at Lincoln Center workshops, Symphony Space artist residencies—real enrichment from real artists.

Room to Grow:

• Some parents wish for more in the way of digital art and tech-integrated visual design.
• The arts lean heavily on music and dance, so budding visual artists or film buffs might feel underrepresented.

Sports: A Side Act, Not the Main Show

Let’s be real—this is not a jock school. And that’s okay.

What’s Offered:

• Gym class for all grades.
• A few after-school fitness clubs (depending on staff and parent volunteers).
• Participation in some citywide athletic events.

What’s Missing:

• No official sports teams (like soccer or basketball with regular matches).
• Not ideal for kids seeking competitive athletic development.

That said, there’s plenty of movement in the day, and recess and PE are prioritized. But if your child dreams of being the next Serena or LeBron, this might not be the best fit.

Parent Perspectives: What the Community Really Thinks

P.S. 87 has one of the most involved—and vocal—parent communities on the Upper West Side. From fundraising to classroom volunteering, families here don’t sit on the sidelines.

What Parents Love:

• Teachers: Repeatedly described as “unusually creative and talented.” Some have even been featured in teacher training videos nationwide.
• Curriculum: Rigorous yet inspiring. Parents feel kids are prepped for middle school and beyond.
• Arts and Enrichment: A major draw. Families rave about the musical, architectural, and cultural programming.
• Community Vibes: New families are welcomed, and the school feels like a village within the city.

Concerns from Parents:

• Accessibility: Still not addressed, and it's a dealbreaker for some.
• Competitive Culture: Some say the academic pace can feel intense for younger students.
• Fundraising Equity: The Parents Association reportedly raised $1.5 million in one year (!!). Amazing, but it highlights disparities in the public school system.
• Absenteeism: Parents have flagged this, too—it’s not just a data point.

Reputation and Rankings: What the Numbers Say

External Ratings:

• Niche.com: A overall; A+ for academics and teachers. Ranks #153 of 2,544 NY public elementary schools.
• GreatSchools.org: 8/10 overall. Equity and test score ratings both at 7/10.

There’s no doubt the school is considered a “top tier” public school, especially among those zoned for it. But the high demand also makes admissions super competitive—especially for out-of-zone families.

Parent Power: The Fuel Behind the School

All parents are automatically part of the PA (no dues!), and they take that job seriously. The PA helps coordinate communication, run school events, and most importantly, fundraise for enrichment programs and extra staff.

The Good:

• The PA’s support means more trips, more art supplies, and more support staff.
• Families truly invest time and money in the school’s success.

The Flip Side:

• It can be intimidating. If you can’t attend meetings or don’t have time to volunteer, you might feel left out.
• Again, the level of fundraising success here raises equity questions across the city.

Final Thoughts: Is P.S. 87 the Right Fit?

P.S. 87 William Sherman offers a dynamic, well-rounded, and culturally rich elementary experience. It’s a place where the arts matter, academic expectations are high, and parent voices carry real weight.

But it’s not without its challenges:

• Chronic absenteeism needs attention.
• Physical accessibility is still a serious issue.
• The sheer competitiveness—whether it’s getting in, keeping up, or staying involved—can be a lot for some families.

If you’re looking for a school that blends creativity, community, and challenge—and you’re okay navigating the NYC public school system’s quirks—P.S. 87 could be a wonderful match.