Central Park East II

Test scores at Central Park East II have declined sharply — ELA dropped from 48.6% in 2023 to 29% in 2025, and math fell from 37.5% to 30.9% in the same period. Both are now significantly below the District 4 averages of roughly 50% in ELA and 45% in math. The school earned an overall score of 1.2 out of 4, compared to the district average of 1.9. There are glimmers of strength in the upper grades — eighth graders scored 40% in math and 34.8% in ELA, notably higher than younger grades — but the overall trajectory is downward.

The climate data reveals a school with strong relational fabric but serious attendance problems. Parents report 91% satisfaction and 94% trust in teachers — numbers that match or exceed district averages. Teachers give 90% quality ratings to instruction and 88% on safety, both slightly above district averages. But chronic absenteeism sits at 46.5%, with particularly high rates among Black students (60.4%). This isn't a discipline problem — the suspension rate is effectively 0% — it's a connection problem. When nearly half the student body is consistently absent, it's hard to build momentum.

The student body reflects East Harlem's demographics: 48% Hispanic, 31% Black, 11% White, 5% Asian, with an economic need index of 72.9% — meaning most families are living in or near poverty. A third of students have IEPs. The diversity index is 70%, which is moderate for Manhattan. This is a high-need community where school isn't just education — it's often a stable anchor for families.

East Harlem is one of the most family-dense neighborhoods in the city (96th percentile), with good transit access (80th percentile) but real safety concerns (12th percentile). Asthma rates and environmental exposures are notably high. The median household income is just $44,000, and homeownership is extremely low at 7.8%. For families here, schools serve as community hubs — and the stakes feel high.

East Harlem is highly walkable, and many families walk or take the bus. The area has strong transit connections via the 4/5/6 lines, though traffic and pedestrian safety are ongoing concerns in a neighborhood where collision rates are elevated.