Bronx Charter School for Better Learning

Test scores show a school that's recovered well from the COVID dip — ELA at 62.4% and math at 65.8% both outpace the district averages of 56.7% and 55.6% respectively. Looking at the trajectory, math was strong even before the pandemic (reaching 73.8% in 2019), dropped to 48.3% in 2022, and has clawed back to pre-pandemic levels. Fifth grade leads with 68.5% ELA proficiency, while third and fourth grades hover in the mid-60s for math. The overall score of 2.56/4 puts this school above the district average of 2.25, reflecting consistent above-average performance.

The survey data tells a striking story: parents give 96% satisfaction, 97% trust in teachers, and 98% trust in the principal — numbers you rarely see. Teachers report 100% safety and 97% instruction quality. But here's the tension: chronic absenteeism sits at 73.6%, way above typical. That suggests many families aren't fully engaged day-to-day, even when they're highly satisfied with the school when asked. The high trust scores and strong family-school relationships indicate this isn't a school with a culture problem — it's more likely a transportation, health, or scheduling barrier that keeps kids home.

This is a predominantly Black school (85%) in a neighborhood that's 17.8% poverty with a median household income of $70,692. The economic need index of 63.1% indicates a high-need population, yet the school delivers above-average results. Hispanic students make up 9% of enrollment, with minimal Asian and white representation. The diversity index of 32% reflects a relatively homogeneous student body, which is common in Bronx neighborhoods but lower than the broader district.

The Eastchester-Edenwald-Baychester area in the Bronx offers suburban-style living with moderate transit access and family density. Safety scores are below average (45th percentile), which parents should factor in. The area has decent stability (88th percentile) and moderate family density (62nd percentile), suggesting a neighborhood of long-term residents. Health indicators show elevated asthma rates and some lead exposure concerns, common in older Bronx housing stock. Median home values around $543,000 indicate a working-to-middle-class community.

Families typically drive or use local bus routes — the area is car-oriented with limited subway access