Serving 602 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New York for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55% (which is higher than the New York state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the New York state average of 49%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the New York state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New York state average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 602 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NY
- Math Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy's student population of 602 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has grown by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
602 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
School Calendar
First Day of School
Thu. Sep 4, 2025
School Rankings
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 4,346 schools in New York (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy is 0.59, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2346 out of 4346 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
49%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
78%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
11%
10%
Hispanic
60%
30%
Black
8%
16%
White
19%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
79%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy's ranking?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy is ranked #2346 out of 4,346 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New York.
What schools are Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy often compared to?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academyis often viewed alongside schools like P.s. 83 Donald Hertz by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% NY state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 49% NY state average).
How many students attend Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy?
602 students attend Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 11% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the New York state average of 11:1.
What grades does Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy offer ?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy part of?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy is part of New York City Geographic District #11 School District.
In what neighborhood is Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy located?
Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy is located in the Morris Park neighborhood of Bronx, NY. There are 7 other public schools located in Morris Park.
School Reviews
5 2/16/2023
I am a student at Van Nest Academy in the 5th-grade class of 501. I have been at the school since 2017 and visited the school before this. The teachers that I''ve had are great, the ones I''ve seen leave and the ones who I have seen since the first day. The teachers are efficient at spreading information as they let us talk to friends, thus letting us learn more. For state tests, I got my first one last year. I did not get one in Third grade because of Covid-19. I feel that as a result of the teacher''s efficiency at teaching and the talking in classes between students while the teachers weren''t talking, so basically you would hear nothing but talking the whole time. Back to the state tests. Because of what we were doing, most of us (most of the people who did well sat with our friends) did well. Four teachers who would let you talk are 1. Ms, Pellegrino 2. Mr. McConnel 3. Ms. McConnville 4. Mr. Lupinacci. This is all I could think of, so this would be the end of the review. Again, I love the school.
5 9/9/2017
Great school
Review Ps/ms 498 Van Nest Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.