Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School

Test scores at Capital Preparatory tell a complicated story — the school jumped from 36.3% ELA in 2022 to 61.1% in 2024, a remarkable gain that placed it among district leaders, but the 2025 results show a regression to 48.9% ELA and 31.3% Math. Both scores now fall below the district averages of 53.9% and 50.7% respectively, meaning students are catching up rather than leading. Grade 8 performance stands out at 72.7% ELA, suggesting the upper elementary grades are doing strong work. The overall quality rating of 1.6 out of 4 trails the district average of 2.09, indicating the school has ground to make up compared to its peers.

The school's climate data reveals a split picture — teachers report exceptionally high trust in leadership (94% teacher-principal trust, 87% collegial trust), and families feel heard by the principal (84% trust). However, parent satisfaction sits at 70%, well below the district average of 90.8%, and the teacher instruction quality score of 73% trails the district average of 88%. The most pressing challenge is chronic absenteeism: over half of students (52.5%) are chronically absent, with female students (63.2%) and Black students (53.1%) disproportionately affected. This level of absenteeism suggests significant barriers to consistent attendance that parents should investigate — whether transportation, health, or school engagement issues.

The school serves 453 students in grades 6-12, with a class size of 20.1 slightly larger than the district average. The student body is predominantly Black (69%) and Hispanic (27%), with 3% Native American representation — reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. Nearly a quarter of students (24%) have IEPs, and the economic need index of 79.6% indicates most families face significant financial challenges. The diversity index of 44% is moderate, though the school lacks Asian and white student representation. This is a community school serving families with substantial need, and parents should understand the population served.

East Harlem is a densely populated, transit-rich neighborhood where families make up a very high percentage of households (93.49% family density score). The area offers excellent subway access (82.76 transit score) but faces real challenges: safety scores are low (9.58), median household income is just $36,709, and the poverty rate reaches 33.2%. Homeownership is exceptionally rare at 8%, meaning most families rent. The neighborhood has an education orientation score of 72.8, indicating families value schooling, though only 29.9% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. Environmental health indicators show concerns — asthma emergency department rates are high at 155 per 10,000, and lead exposure rates (7.9%) warrant awareness.

East Harlem is highly walkable with strong transit options, though families should consider the neighborhood's safety profile when planning commutes. The school is accessible by multiple subway lines.