Original Research by School Decision on Ps 138
PS 138 is a special education school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in East Harlem on Manhattan's east side. The school operates under New York City's District 75, which manages special education and alternative schools across the city.
The school enrolls students across a wide span of ages and needs. The enrollment is concentrated heavily in early grades: the bulk of students are in pre-K through grade 2, with notably smaller cohorts in middle and high school. A substantial portion of students are classified as ungraded, a designation common in schools serving students with significant disabilities where the traditional grade structure does not apply. The vast majority of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic circumstances of the neighborhood. The student population is predominantly Hispanic, with a significant Black population and small numbers of Asian and white students.
State testing data was not available for PS 138, which is consistent with the school's designation as a special education school. Schools serving students with significant disabilities often follow alternative assessment frameworks aligned with each student's individualized education program rather than the standard state assessments that apply to mainstream school populations. This is a feature of the school's purpose rather than a gap in reporting.
No information about graduation rate was provided, likely because the high school enrollment is very small and the school serves a student population with diverse disabilities that may result in outcome pathways beyond traditional high school diplomas, such as alternate credentials or transition services.
East Harlem, where the school sits, is a densely mixed-use neighborhood embedded within Manhattan's grid. Housing in the 10035 zip code is moderately valued by New York standards but reflects the city's sustained growth in residential construction and rising rental costs. The neighborhood is highly walkable and served by extensive subway connections. The area has long been home to working families and immigrants, and it remains economically diverse, though housing pressures are steady.
District 75 recently adopted the science-of-reading curriculum framework across its schools, implementing structured, phonics-based literacy instruction while maintaining flexibility for students whose learning requires life-skills curricula rather than grade-level material. For families, this means more consistent, evidence-based reading instruction and clearer continuity if a student changes schools. The district has been expanding capacity over the past few years, opening new schools and programs across boroughs to reduce travel times and increase access for students with disabilities.
The school's small overall enrollment and concentrated population in early grades suggest it may serve students with more significant support needs in younger ages. Parents considering PS 138 should reach out directly to the school to understand the specific programs and service models available, the range of disabilities served, and how the school's curriculum and transition planning align with their child's profile and goals.
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