Academic Leadership Charter School

The numbers here are striking: 89.2% ELA proficiency and 92.3% math proficiency — roughly double the District 7 averages of 51% and 49%. But the real story is the trajectory. In 2016, this school was at 56% ELA and 59% math. Over eight years, it climbed steadily, with a particularly dramatic jump in the most recent year (ELA up 11 points, math up 13 points). Every tested grade shows strong results, with Grade 4 hitting 100% math proficiency and Grade 7 at 92.6% in both subjects. Science sits at 75.5%, which is solid though not as eye-popping as the literacy and math gains. The overall quality rating of 3.63 out of 4 puts this school firmly in the top tier of Bronx options.

The survey data tells a powerful story of a school where families feel genuinely valued and students feel safe. Parent satisfaction sits at 96%, with nearly all families expressing trust in both teachers (98%) and the principal (97%). Teachers report 100% safety — dramatically higher than the district average of 80.5% — and rate instruction quality at 95%. However, there's a notable gap: teacher-principal trust (83%) and teacher collegial trust (84%) are positive but noticeably lower than parent trust. The attendance picture is more complicated: a 90.9% attendance rate is essentially on par with the district, but chronic absenteeism is high at 65.8% — affecting roughly two-thirds of students at some point during the year. This suggests the school is doing strong work inside the classroom but may face challenges with getting students there consistently.

The student body reflects the neighborhood's demographics almost exactly: 52% Hispanic and 44% Black students, with minimal Asian (1%) and white (2%) enrollment. With an economic need index of 93.3% — meaning virtually all students come from low-income households — this is a school serving families with significant resource constraints. The diversity index of 50% is moderate. About 13% of students have IEPs, which is typical. The class size of 20.5 students matches the district average exactly.

Mott Haven-Port Morris is one of the Bronx's most economically challenged neighborhoods, with a median household income of just $29,100 and a 40% poverty rate. Only 6% of residents own homes, and only 12% have a bachelor's degree or higher — meaning most families here are renting and many adults didn't complete college. The safety score of 16.86 places it in the bottom 17th percentile for the city, with elevated crime density and collision rates. Environmental health concerns are notable, including high asthma emergency department rates (75.5 per 1,000) and elevated lead exposure (12.1%). Transit access is moderate (48th percentile), and there are few family-oriented amenities compared to more residential neighborhoods. This is a neighborhood where families are navigating real daily challenges — and where a high-performing school fills a critical gap.

The neighborhood has moderate transit access. Families likely walk or take public transit; driving is complicated by traffic density and limited parking. The school draws from across District 7, so many families travel from outside the immediate area.