Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
PS 42 BENJAMIN ALTMAN's enrollment is predominantly black / african american (82.6%).
Understanding These Numbers
NCES race/ethnicity categories
The National Center for Education Statistics reports race/ethnicity using seven mutually exclusive categories, aligned with the U.S. Census. Hispanic ethnicity is reported separately from race.
Diversity and school quality are distinct
A school's demographic profile reflects its neighborhood and district boundaries, not its academic quality. Use these numbers for context, not as a quality signal.
English Language Learners
ELL students are entitled to language support services under federal law. A higher ELL % often reflects a school serving a multilingual immigrant community.
IEP / Special Education
IEP percentages reflect students receiving specialized instruction under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes a wide range of learning, physical, and developmental needs.