Amber Charter School East Harlem

Amber Charter's 55.7% ELA and 53.1% math proficiency rates place it above the District 4 averages of 49.8% and 45.2% respectively, earning a 2.18 overall score compared to the district's 1.90. The school's test score history is a rollercoaster — strong performance in 2018-2019 (68% ELA, 64% math) followed by a pandemic dip in 2022 (45% ELA, 23% math), then recovery to current levels. Grade-level breakdown shows growth as students advance, with 5th graders reaching 58.7% ELA proficiency compared to 43.6% in 3rd grade — suggesting the school effectively builds skills over time.

The survey data tells a heartening story: 93% of parents report satisfaction, and trust between families and both teachers (97%) and the principal (97%) is exceptionally high. Teachers give 88% marks for instruction quality and 94% for school safety. Teacher collegial trust is strong at 93%, though teacher-principal trust sits lower at 81% — a gap worth noting. The challenge is attendance: while the 91% attendance rate beats the district average, a striking 67% of students are chronically absent, with female students (70.6%) and Hispanic students (69.8%) disproportionately affected.

With 391 students in grades K-7, Amber Charter reflects its East Harlem neighborhood: 67% Hispanic and 28% Black students, with an economic need index of 82.3% — meaning most families face significant financial hardship. The diversity index of 46% indicates moderate demographic variety. Nineteen percent of students have IEPs, aligned with typical district rates. This is a school where working-class families are the backbone, and the 93% parent satisfaction rate suggests the community feels served.

East Harlem is a family-dense neighborhood (96th percentile for family density) with strong transit options (80th percentile) but real safety concerns (12th percentile). The median home value of $828,171 reflects NYC's housing market pressures, yet median household income is just $44,054 and poverty sits at 29.5% — a neighborhood of wealth disparity. The education orientation score of 66 suggests families here value schooling, and the area offers parks and community resources despite environmental health challenges (elevated asthma rates, PM2.5 exposure).

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent subway access via the 4/5/6 lines running along Lexington Avenue. Families from across East Harlem and adjacent areas can reach the school on foot or via short transit rides.